PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) … · 25. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and...

PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

5, 6 and 7 February 2008

(Extract from book 1)

Internet: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard

By authority of the Victorian Government Printer

CONTENTS

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

18. Treasurer: first home bonus duty payments ..................................................243

25. Treasurer: Rural Finance Corporation entertainment expenses............................243

31. Treasurer: Victorian Funds Management Corporation communications staff...............................243

33. Treasurer: State Revenue Office communications staff...............................244

44. Health: Central Gippsland Health Service financial performance ................244

45. Health: Central Gippsland Health Service overdraft limit .............................245

239(b). Women’s affairs: ministerial communications training.........................246

249(a). Premier: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd.................246 249(d). Children and early childhood

development: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ............................................................247

249(e). Consumer affairs: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ............................................................248

249(f). Corrections: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd...........248 249(g). Energy and resources: Shannon’s Way

Pty Ltd......................................................249 249(i). Gaming: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd.................249 249(j). Health: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd...................250 249(l). Housing: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ................251 249(m). Industrial relations: Shannon’s Way

Pty Ltd......................................................251 249(r). Police and emergency services:

Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ...........................252 249(t). Racing: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ..................252 249(ac). Environment and climate change:

Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd ...........................252 250(a). Premier: Growth Solutions Group...............253 250(d). Agriculture: Growth Solutions Group .........256 250(e). Arts: Growth Solutions Group .....................256 250(f). Children and early childhood

development: Growth Solutions Group.......................................................257

250(g). Consumer affairs: Growth Solutions Group.......................................................257

250(h). Corrections: Growth Solutions Group.........257 250(i). Energy and resources: Growth

Solutions Group.......................................258 250(k). Gaming: Growth Solutions Group...............258 250(l). Health: Growth Solutions Group.................258 250(n). Housing: Growth Solutions Group ..............259 250(u). Police and emergency services:

Growth Solutions Group .........................259 250(v). Public transport: Growth Solutions

Group.......................................................260 250(w). Racing: Growth Solutions Group ................260 250(y). Roads and ports: Growth Solutions

Group.......................................................261

250(ak). Industry and trade: Growth Solutions Group....................................................... 261

275. Mental health: aged persons residential services.................................. 261

282. Mental health: youth-specific alcohol services .................................................... 262

287. Mental health: dual-diagnosis workforce................................................. 262

295. Mental health: drug and alcohol services .................................................... 263

298. Mental health: suicide prevention programs ................................................. 263

304. Mental health: early intervention services .................................................... 264

337. Public transport: V/Line compulsory reservations ............................................. 265

344. Mental health: public workforce.................. 269 349. Mental health: residential withdrawal

and drug detoxification services ............. 269 350. Mental health: drug information nights....... 270 351. Mental health: drug treatment beds............. 270 352. Mental health: drug and alcohol

counselling............................................... 271 370. Public transport: Rowville rail project........ 271 378. Mental health: drug services budget............ 272 434. Public transport: SmartBus route 900......... 273 446. Environment and climate change:

Dandenong Ranges National Park......... 273 447. Environment and climate change:

Lysterfield State Park.............................. 275 457. Treasurer: Rural Finance Corporation

entertainment expenses ........................... 277 481. Mental health: dual-diagnosis services ....... 277 494. Public transport: Geelong V/Line

service...................................................... 278 495. Public transport: Geelong V/Line

service...................................................... 279 502. Public transport: bus route 900................... 282 503. Public transport: bus route 755................... 282 504. Public transport: bus route 693................... 283 505. Public transport: bus route 665................... 283 506. Public transport: bus routes 681 and

682 ........................................................... 284 507. Public transport: bus route 732................... 285 508. Public transport: bus route 691................... 285 514. Treasurer: State Revenue Office

communications staff............................... 286 516. Public transport: wheelchair-accessible

taxis..............................................................286 522. Water: Lake Mokoan.................................... 287 523. Education: Ferntree Gully Secondary

College site .............................................. 287 529. Roads and ports: Dorset Road,

Ferntree Gully, extension........................ 288 531. Public transport: Box Hill railway

station ...................................................... 290

CONTENTS

533. Public transport: Metcard and V/Line ticket use...................................................290

534. Public transport: Seymour V/Line service ......................................................294

535. Health: hospital investments ........................296 538(b). Public transport: crime statistics .................297 539. Health: hospital investments ........................297 540. Education: school utility grants ...................298 542. Education: Victorian certificate of

education examination guidelines...........298 548. Public transport: bus route 246 ...................299 549. Public transport: popular bus routes ...........299 557. Water: food bowl modernisation

project ......................................................300 567. Housing: emergency and transitional..........301 568. Housing: Office of Housing vacancies.........301 569. Roads and ports: Wandin North

Primary School illuminated speed signs .........................................................301

571. Roads and ports: Burwood Highway–Station Street, Ferntree Gully, traffic lights..............................................302

579. Health: practitioner drug use.......................302 580. Mental health: pharmacotherapy

prescribers ...............................................304 598. Public transport: Croydon NightRider

route .........................................................304 612. Community services: Slow to Recover

program ...................................................305 615. Senior Victorians: Seniors Card

off-peak travel vouchers ..........................305 616. Public transport: infringement notices.........305 621. Children and early childhood

development: ministerial communications training.........................306

622. Health: hospital investments ........................306 624. Water: water authority tax-equivalent

payments ..................................................306 633. Education: Ferntree Gully Primary

School site ................................................307 659. Community services: Disability

Advisory Council .....................................307 666. Education: Victorian certificate of

education specialist maths.......................308 667. Education: Casey Central Secondary

College opening.......................................308 668. Education: general achievement test ...........308 671. Education: working-with-children

police checks............................................309 672. Education: Victorian certificate of

education midyear examinations.............309 748. Tourism and major events: bushfire

recovery package.....................................310

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

13. Treasurer: land tax .......................................311

15. Treasurer: State Revenue Office land trust notifications..................................... 311

19. Treasurer: Property transfer duty payments.................................................. 311

249(g). Energy and Resources: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd......................................................312

453. Water: washing machine rebates................. 313 463. Treasurer: first home bonus duty

payments.................................................. 313 520. Police and emergency services:

Nepean Highway red light cameras ....... 313 532. Police and emergency services: Box

Hill police station ....................................314 547. Public transport: public information

display system..........................................314 556. Police and emergency services:

Moorabbin police complex .....................315 558(a). Police and emergency services:

Nepean Highway red light cameras ....... 315 573. Health: Rural Ambulance Victoria staff

vacancies ................................................. 315 618. Public transport: Cheltenham railway

station car park........................................316 669. Education: school term dates....................... 316 670. Education: QuickVic reporting system........ 317 680. Public transport: train graffiti .....................317

Thursday, 7 February 2008

249(z). Community development: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd .............................................319

250(ae). Community development: Growth Solutions Group....................................... 319

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 5 February 2008 ASSEMBLY 243

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Answers to the following questions on notice were circulated on the date shown. Questions have been incorporated from the notice paper of the Legislative Assembly.

Answers have been incorporated in the form supplied by the departments on behalf of the appropriate ministers. The portfolio of the minister answering the question on notice starts each heading.

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Treasurer: first home bonus duty payments

18. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — how much duty was paid in respect of purchases of property that qualified for the First Home Bonus in each of 2004–05 and 2005–06.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

Unfortunately as conveyancing duty is administered separately to the First Home Bonus, the data requested is not collected.

Treasurer: Rural Finance Corporation entertainment expenses

25. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — with reference to the Corporation’s entertainment expenses in each of 2004–05 and 2005–06 —

(1) What was the total cost incurred.

(2) What are the itemised details of all expenditure in excess of $500, including — (a) date incurred; (b) cost; (c) number of guests; (d) purpose; (e) name of service provider.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

There were no entertainment expenses incurred in 2004–05 or 2005–06 by the Rural Finance Corporation.

Treasurer: Victorian Funds Management Corporation communications staff

31. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — how many officers in the Victorian Funds Management Corporation are engaged in communications, including public, corporate and media relations as at 30 June 2006, and —

(1) What is the salary band for each of these officers.

(2) What is the job title for each of these officers.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

244 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 5 February 2008

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

There were no officers in the Victorian Funds Management Corporation engaged in communications, including public, corporate and media relations at 30 June 2006.

Treasurer: State Revenue Office communications staff

33. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — how many officers in the State Revenue Office are engaged in communications, including public, corporate and media relations as at 30 June 2006, and —

(1) What is the salary band for each of these officers.

(2) What is the job title for each of these officers.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The State Revenue Office has one officer engaged in communications, who is involved in liaison and communication with all key SRO stakeholders.

(1) The salary band for this officer is VPS Grade 6.

(2) The job title for this officer is Corporate Relations Adviser.

Health: Central Gippsland Health Service financial performance

44. Mr INGRAM to ask the Minister for Health with reference to the financial performance of CGHS —

(1) Was the profit/loss net result for the year 2004–05, as concluded by the Auditor-General, a deficit of $1.742 million; if so, does this include the costs of the administration of CGHS.

(2) Was the profit/loss net result for the year 2003–04, as concluded by the Auditor-General, a deficit of $389,000.

(3) What were the costs of the administrator of CGHS in 2004–05. (4) Was CGHS given an equity injection of $2 million in 2004–05. (5) Has the actual cash flow from operating activities, which includes both capital grants and capital

costs, deteriorated by $332,000 in 2004–05. (6) Is CGHS still required to be on ‘close watch’ by the Auditor-General and report on a monthly

basis to the Department of Human Services.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The department assesses the financial performance of a health service on results before depreciation and capital purpose income. The 2004–05 operating result, before depreciation and capital purpose income, was a surplus of approximately $825,000. The comparable 2003–04 results before depreciation and capital purpose income was a deficit of $1.923 million. This is a favourable turnaround in operating performance, before depreciation and capital purpose income, of over $2.7 million year on year. The costs of the Administrator are not included in the financial statements.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) The operating performance of the health service in 2003–04 and 2004–05 was as per my response to the

previous question.

(3) The cost noted in the Order In Council appointing the Administrator is $208,000 per annum.

(4) CGHS received $2 million in equity assistance in 2004–05 to assist with inherited cash shortfalls. In 2003–04, the health service had required $3.033 million in additional equity assistance. With the positive turnaround in the operating and cash position of CGHS since appointment of the Administrator, no additional equity assistance or transitional funding has been required in the 2005–06 financial year.

(5) With regard to the cash result for the year, the Auditor General’s office in its management letter to CGHS concerning the 2004–05 financial year, comments that ‘the hospital has achieved a significantly improved operating and cash result for the year. The cash flows from operating activities, adjusted for capital grants has improved from a cash deficit of $3.289 million in 2003–04 to a cash surplus of $658,000 in 2004–05, a favourable turnaround of almost $4 million …’.

(6) The close watch reporting process is a requirement of the department of Human Services and not the Auditor General. The close watch report is provided monthly to the department by agencies considered financially at risk. The indicators generally applied in assessing the need for close watch are an operating deficit, a current asset ratio less than 0.7 and any other significant factors that may indicate an agency is experiencing or could face financial difficulty. Further, a rural agency that needs or may need transitional funding has to meet the close watch reporting requirements. CGHS was on the close watch program and its predecessor, the ‘hospitals at risk’ program, for a number of years. A requirement to no longer report to the department in close watch format was communicated to CGHS management by the department in December 2006. This decision followed sustained improvement in the operating and cash position of the health service since the appointment of an Administrator in November 2004. The department will continue to monitor the health service’s financial performance to ensure the upward trend continues and has instituted quarterly meetings with health service management to discuss strategic and operational issues, including financial performance.

Health: Central Gippsland Health Service overdraft limit

45. Mr INGRAM to ask the Minister for Health with reference to the CGHS overdraft limit of $300,000 —

(1) Given the CGHS overdraft limit, why do the financial accounts state that the overdraft reached $1.804 million in 2003–04.

(2) Was the overdraft completely extinguished in 2004–05; if so, how and why.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The overdraft figure quoted from the audited statements was not necessarily indicative of the actual cash overdrawn at the bank at any time. During that period and prior to, the overdraft facility was used extensively by the service to ensure financial commitments could be met for the operation of the service.

(2) By the end of June 2005, the bank overdraft had been extinguished. The Administrator and his staff had achieved an extremely significant turnaround in the cash position of the organisation in a short period of time. This turnaround was achieved largely by tightening expenditure in key areas without impacting service delivery.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Women’s affairs: ministerial communications training

239(b). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Women’s Affairs with reference to media presentation training, communications training or public presentation training provided to the Minister from 1 December 2006 to 19 June 2007 —

(1) What training has the Minister received. (2) What was the name of the tenderer, training organisation or entity providing the training. (3) What was the cost of the training. (4) How many training sessions were held.

ANSWER:

I am informed as follows:

I did not hold a Ministerial portfolio between 1 December 2006 and 19 June 2007.

Premier: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(a). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Premier with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —

(1) What contracts have been entered into. (2) What was the cost of each contract. (3) What was the cost of any contract extensions, variations or renewals. (4) Which contracts were offered for public tender. (5) What are the reasons given for any contracts not offered for public tender.

[Question published in substitution of no. 249 published in questions on notice dated 21 June 2007]

ANSWER:

The Honourable the Premier: I am informed as follows for the period 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2007:

(1) Contract

(2) Cost

(ex GST)

(3) Contract

extensions/ variations

(4) Public Tender

(5) Not offered to public

Tender

Government Slogan Development

$84,863.00 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB purchasing policy

Slogan launch event


Promotional photography

$274.80 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB purchasing policy

Economic Business Statement Advertising


Economic Business Statement Advertising


QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(1)

Contract (2)

Cost (ex GST)

(3) Contract


(4) Public Tender

(5) Not offered to public

Tender

Editing and TV Production

$4,580 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB Purchasing policy

Go for Your Life Strategy

$9,090.91 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB: Marketing Services Panel Guidelines

Premier’s Thank You to Volunteer Fire Fighters


Premier’s Thank You to Volunteer Fire Fighters


Water Plan Campaign


Water Plan Campaign


Water Plan Campaign


Water Plan Campaign


Water Plan Campaign


Water Plan Campaign


Children and early childhood development: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(d). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:


The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s contract register indicates that between 1 January 2000 and 21 June 2007 there were no contracts or purchase orders with Shannon’s Way.

Consumer affairs: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(e). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Consumer Affairs with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am advised that:

(1) For information relating to contracts between Consumer Affairs Victoria and the firm Shannon’s Way since 1 January 2000, the Member should refer to Question on Notice number 2874 previously provided to Legislative Council during the 55th Parliament. A copy of this response is attached. I am advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria has not entered into any further contracts with Shannon’s Way since that response was tabled.

(2) The Stage 1 contract value was $74,910.00 plus out of pocket expenses. The Stage 2 contract value was $15,956.00 plus out of pocket expenses.

(3) Variation payments to the Stage 1 contract totalled $20,318.00. Variation payments to the Stage 2 contract totalled $14,307.30.

(4) A selective tender process in line with Departmental Tendering Guidelines was used to source a suitable consultant for the Stage 1 contract.

(5) A public tender process was impractical for the Stage 1 contract due to very tight time constraints. As a continuation of the existing campaign, the Stage 2 contract was awarded to the Stage 1 contractor.

Corrections: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(f). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Corrections with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

There are no contracts between the Department of Justice and Shannon’s Way that relate to my portfolio for the period specified by the question.

Energy and resources: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(g). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Energy and Resources with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

As at the day the question was asked, the answer is:

(1) Since the Department of Primary Industries was formed on 5 December 2002, it has entered into one contract with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd.

(2) The amount paid against the contract for phase one was $62,814.95.

(3) A second phase of the tender was completed as a variation to the initial contract to the value of $12,061.50.

(4) The contract (contract 300054) was awarded to Shannon’s Way following a public tender process in March 2004. The selection process was assessed by an independent probity auditor. The contract is now complete.

(5) Not applicable.

Gaming: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(i). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Gaming with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am advised that:

The Office of Gaming and Racing has not entered into any contracts with Shannon’s Way.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


In 2002 while the portfolio of Gaming was in the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of Human Services and the Treasury and Finance Gaming Policy Unit developed a brochure as part of a joint initiative on problem gambling. Shannon’s Way was contracted by the Department of Human Services to provide strategic advice for this brochure.

Until June 2005, responsibility for problem gambling services rested with the Department of Human Services. In September 2002, the Department of Human Services entered into a contract with Shannon’s Way for a Problem Gambling Communication strategy.

I have provided the Hansard references below for Questions on Notice previously tabled in Parliament, which provide further details on these contracts.

(Hansard: Legislative Assembly, 2 March 2004, page 323) (Hansard: Legislative Council, 16 September 2003, page 515)

Health: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(j). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Health with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am informed that:

In relation to contracts entered into by the Department of Human Services with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000:

(1) The department entered into nine contracts, as follows:

Date Description Value ($) June 2002 New Tobacco Reforms Phase 3 28,424 Aug 2002 Problem Gambling 147,838 Jan 2003 Victorian Alcohol Strategy Stage 1 300,001 Sept 2003 Kew Residential Services Stakeholder Communication Plan 14,702 Nov 2003 Drug Prevention Council's Directline 1800 888 236 99,677 Aug 2004 Production of material for 2004 Melbourne Fringe Festival 11,344 Aug 2004 Problem Gambling Communication Strategy Phase 4 165,849 Feb 2006 Health Assist Line — Advertising Campaign 998,032 June 2006 Drug Prevention Campaign 9,571

Total 1,775,437

(2) The cost of each contract is listed in the table response to question 1.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(3) There were no extensions or renewals. There was one variation, as listed below

Date Description Value ($) Jan 2003 Variation, additional works, Victorian Alcohol Strategy Stage 1 24,167

(4) None of these contracts were offered for public tender.

(5) The contracts prior to June 2005 were all entered into under the DHS panel arrangement, which was established following a public tender process. The contracts since June 2005 were all entered into under the Whole-of-Victorian Government Marketing Services panel managed by Department of Premier and Cabinet, which was also established following a public tender process. Under the guidelines for engaging a supplier from either panel, no further public tender process was required.

Housing: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(l). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Housing with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am informed that:

Department of Human Services did not enter into any contracts with Shannon’s Way in my area of portfolio responsibilities.

Industrial relations: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(m). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:


DIIRD has not entered into any contracts with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Police and emergency services: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(r). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am advised that:

There are no contracts between the Department of Justice and Shannon’s Way that relate to my portfolio for the period specified by the question.

Racing: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(t). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Racing with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am advised that:

The Office of Racing has not entered into any contracts with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000.

Environment and climate change: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(ac). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Environment and Climate Change with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has not entered into any contracts with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd for activities or programs falling under my portfolio responsibilities as Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Premier: Growth Solutions Group

250(a). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Premier with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed as follows for the period 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2007:

(1) Contract

(2) Cost

(ex GST)

(3) Contract


(4) Public Tender

(5) Not offered to public Tender

Professional Development and Training needs assessment and program design

$1,750 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB Policy











QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(1)

Contract (2)

Cost (ex GST)

(3) Contract


(4) Public Tender
























QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(1)

Contract (2)

Cost (ex GST)

(3) Contract


(4) Public Tender















$5,500

N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB Policy

Professional Development and Training needs assessment and program design – report on skills development needs and program


Communications Professional Development and Training Workshop – final recommendations and out of pocket expenses


Communications Professional Development and Training Workshop – attendance fees for three staff

$6,500 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB: Marketing Services Panel Guidelines

Communications Professional Development and Training Workshop – out of pocket expenses


QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(1)

Contract (2)

Cost (ex GST)

(3) Contract


(4) Public Tender


Communications Professional Development and Training Workshop – attendance fees for SCB staff member.

$1,000 N/A N/A Compliant with VGPB: Marketing Services Panel Guidelines

Agriculture: Growth Solutions Group

250(d). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Agriculture with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

During the period 1 January 2000 to 26 June 2007, my Department has not entered into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group.

Arts: Growth Solutions Group

250(e). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Arts with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

My department Arts Victoria entered into one contract with Growth Solutions Group to conduct an issues management workshop in February 2006.

The total cost of the contract was $1,815.00 (inclusive of GST), and there were no extensions, variations or renewals.

The contract was not offered for public tender as it was well below the Victorian Government Purchasing Board’s threshold of $100,000+ for open tendering.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Children and early childhood development: Growth Solutions Group

250(f). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:


This question has also been asked of the Minister for Education who will provide a response in respect of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Consumer affairs: Growth Solutions Group

250(g). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Consumer Affairs with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

Consumer Affairs Victoria has not entered into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000.

Corrections: Growth Solutions Group

250(h). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Corrections with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

There are no contracts between the Department of Justice and Growth Solutions Group that relate to my portfolio for the period specified by the question.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Energy and resources: Growth Solutions Group

250(i). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Energy and Resources with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

During the period 1 January 2000 to 26 June 2007, DPI has not entered into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group.

Gaming: Growth Solutions Group

250(k). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Gaming with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

The Office of Gaming has not entered into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000.

Health: Growth Solutions Group

250(l). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Health with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

In relation to contracts entered into by the Department of Human Services with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000:

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(1) The department entered into six contracts, as follows:

Date Description Value ($) Sept 2005 Service Improvement Training Module 231,036 Mar 2006 Communications Skills Training, Phase 2 114,059 Apr 2006 Communications Skills Training Roll out: Phase 3 75,910 Sept 2006 Clinical Network Sustaining Emergency Care 28,160 Oct 2006 Signage Improvements (11 regional hospitals) 55,608 Feb 2007 Training Workshops – Communication and influencing 32,610

Total 537,383 (2) The cost of each contract is listed in response to question 1.

(3) There were no extensions or renewals. There was one variation as follows:

Date Description Value ($) Feb 2007 Variation: Cancellation fees, Training Workshops –

Communication and influencing 4,195

(4) None of these contracts were offered for public tender.

(5) These contracts were all entered into under the Whole-of-Victorian Government Marketing Services Panel managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, which was established following a public tender process. Under the guidelines for engaging a supplier from the Panel, no further public tender process was required.

Housing: Growth Solutions Group

250(n). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Housing with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

Department of Human Services did not enter into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group in my area of portfolio responsibilities.

Police and emergency services: Growth Solutions Group

250(u). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —

(1) What contracts have been entered into. (2) What was the cost of each contract. (3) What was the cost of any contract extensions, variations or renewals.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(4) Which contracts were offered for public tender. (5) What are the reasons given for any contracts not offered for public tender.

ANSWER:

I am advised that:

There are no contracts between the Department of Justice and Growth Solutions Group that relate to my portfolio for the period specified by the question.

Public transport: Growth Solutions Group

250(v). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised, the answer is :

1. One contract for staff training in the Issues Management Workshop was entered into.

2. The cost of the contract was $19,800.

3. There were no contract extensions, variations or renewals.

4. The contract was not offered for public tender.

5. The contract was entered into under the Whole of Government Marketing Services Panel arrangement under which Open Tendering is not possible. Sourcing the contract from the panel for this procurement was mandatory.

Racing: Growth Solutions Group

250(w). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Racing with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am advised that:

The Office of Racing has not entered into any contracts with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Roads and ports: Growth Solutions Group

250(y). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised, the answer is :

1. One contract for staff training in the Issues Management Workshop was entered into.

2. The cost of the contract was $19,800.

3. There were no contract extensions, variations or renewals.

4. The contract was not offered for public tender.

5. The contract was entered into under the Whole of Government Marketing Services Panel arrangement under which Open Tendering is not possible. Sourcing the contract from the panel for this procurement was mandatory.

Industry and trade: Growth Solutions Group

250(ak). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Industry and Trade with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed that the records for the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development are as follows:

Information on contracts entered into by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development can be found at the website www.contracts.vic.gov.au.

Mental health: aged persons residential services

275. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Aged Care with reference to aged persons mental health residential services —

(1) What funding was allocated for aged persons mental health residential service in — (a) 2004–05; (b) 2005–06;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(c) 2006–07; (d) 2007–08.

(2) What funding is allocated to aged persons mental health residential services in 2007–08, by Department of Human Services region.

(3) How many aged persons mental health residential services beds are there in each Department of Human Services region.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1–3) Information on mental health funding to services can be found in the Public Hospitals and Mental Health Services Policy and Funding Guidelines at the following website: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pfg/.

The numbers of aged persons mental health residential services beds are generally reported by health services in their annual reports.

Mental health: youth-specific alcohol services

282. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to the mental health funding for youth specific alcohol services and initiatives —

(1) How much money was spent on the services and initiatives in — (a) 2003–04; (b) 2004–05; (c) 2005–06; (d) 2006–07.

(2) How much money from the 2007–08 budget has been allocated to services and initiatives. (3) Which services and initiatives will receive funding in the 2007–08 budget and how much funding

will each of these receive.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) (a), (b), (c), (d); (2) and (3) All youth services funded through the Department of Human Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Program are funded to address the range of licit and illicit substances, including alcohol.

Mental health: dual-diagnosis workforce

287. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to dual diagnosis workforce —

(1) What qualifications qualify a dual diagnosis specialist to be called ‘a clinician’. (2) How many staff are employed as dual diagnosis clinicians at the —

(a) Eastern Dual Diagnosis Team; (b) Northern Nexus; (c) Southern Dual Diagnosis Team; (d) Western Substance Use and Mental Illness Treatment Team.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) A clinician is a term typically used to refer to a person working within Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug services who holds a qualification in either: Medicine, Psychiatry, Nursing, Clinical Psychology, Social Work or Occupational Therapy, and is eligible to work in the area of mental health and/or addiction medicine by virtue of their registration, or eligibility for membership of their professional association.

(2) The number of effective full-time staff employed in dual diagnosis teams is determined by Health Services as the employer. DHS does not routinely collect this information at an activity level.

Mental health: drug and alcohol services

295. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to funding for drug and alcohol services and initiatives in the Hume, Loddon Mallee, Grampians, Gippsland, Barwon South Western, Southern Metropolitan, North and West Metropolitan, and Eastern Metropolitan regions —

(1) How much money was spent on services and initiatives in each region in — (a) 2003–04; (b) 2004–05; (c) 2005–06; (d) 2006–07.

(2) What amount of money from the 2007–08 drug services budget has been allocated for services and initiatives located within the region.

(3) What is the name and location of drug and alcohol services and initiatives in the region that received funds in the 2006–07 budget.

(4) How much money did each service and initiative receive from the 2007–08 budget. (5) Which services and initiatives will receive funds in the 2007–08 budget and —

(a) what is its location; (b) how much money will it receive.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) — General information regarding funding drug and alcohol services and initiatives across the State for the financial years 2003–04 to 2007–08 is available in the corresponding Budget Papers for each year identified.

Mental health: suicide prevention programs

298. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to suicide prevention initiatives and programs —

(1) How much money was spent on initiatives or programs in — (a) 2003–04; (b) 2004–05; (c) 2005–06: (d) 2006–07.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) What are the names and locations of all initiatives or programs that received funding in the

2006–07 budget. (3) How much money is allocated to suicide prevention services in the 2007–08 budget. (4) What is the name and location of all initiatives or programs that will receive funding in the

2007–08 budget. (5) How much money will each initiative or program funded in the 2007–08 budget receive.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The Victorian Government provides over $23.9 million per annum to Suicide Prevention across a range of government programs. Next Steps: Victoria’s suicide prevention forward action plan 2006 is an integrated whole of government framework encompassing primary prevention, early intervention, intervention, postvention, research and information monitoring.

As well as funding specialist mental health services, there is embedded activity across government which addresses suicide prevention. This includes community strengthening in a diverse range of areas including primary health, corrections and programs within the Department of Planning and Community Development.

(2)–(5) Many of these programs target high risk groups and include:

– Primary prevention and intervention for young people through generic programs in schools and specialist services

– Primary and early intervention for Indigenous, gay and lesbian, and rural and regional Victorians – Early intervention for those affected by mental illness – Intervention for offenders.

Victoria invests in research on depression through the beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence in Depression and Related Disorders. $1.2 million per annum is provided for this purpose with an additional $2.3 million p.a. provided to beyondblue to support its various community awareness and education programs.

Mental health: early intervention services

304. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health —

(1) What amount of funding from the 2006–07 mental health budget went to early intervention services.

(2) For each initiative or service that received funding from the 2006–07 budget — (a) what was the location; (b) how much funding was received; (c) how much funding is committed in the 2007–08 budget.

(3) How does the Government define ‘early intervention’.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) Information on current and previous years’ state budgets can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/budget/index.htm

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) Names and locations of services can be found on the mental health website:

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/index.htm

Information on mental health funding to services can be found in the Public Hospitals and Mental Health Services Policy and Funding Guidelines at the following website: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pfg/.

(3) The Victorian Government supports the definition employed by the National Mental Health Strategy, which defines mental health early intervention as ‘interventions targeting people displaying the early signs and symptoms of a mental health problem or mental disorder in people developing or experiencing a first episode of mental disorder’.

State-funded child and youth mental health services play key roles in reducing the prevalence of mental health problems and minimising their severity and impact.

Public transport: V/Line compulsory reservations

337. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to V/Line compulsory reservations —

(1) What is the total annual cost of maintaining compulsory reservations for trains to — (a) Warrnambool; (b) Ararat; (c) Swan Hill; (d) Echuca; (e) Shepparton; (f) Albury; (g) Bairnsdale.

(2) What are the top three components of the total annual cost of maintaining compulsory reservations for trains and for each component — (a) what were the costs in 2006–07 for trains to —

(i) Warrnambool; (ii) Ararat; (iii) Swan Hill; (iv) Echuca; (v) Shepparton; (vi) Albury; (vii) Bairnsdale.

(b) what are the costs expected to be incurred in 2007–08 for trains to — (i) Warrnambool; (ii) Ararat; (iii) Swan Hill; (iv) Echuca; (v) Shepparton; (vi) Albury; (vii) Bairnsdale.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(3) In July 2006 how many passengers reserved —

(a) first class seats on trains to — (i) Warrnambool; (ii) Ararat; (iii) Swan Hill; (iv) Echuca; (v) Shepparton; (vi) Albury; (vii) Bairnsdale.

(b) economy class seats on trains to — (i) Warrnambool; (ii) Ararat; (iii) Swan Hill; (iv) Echuca; (v) Shepparton; (vi) Albury; (vii) Bairnsdale.

(4) In 2007–08 how many reservations are expected to be made for trains to — (a) Warrnambool; (b) Ararat; (c) Swan Hill; (d) Echuca; (e) Shepparton; (f) Albury; (g) Bairnsdale.

(5) What percentage of passengers travelling on compulsory seat-booked trains are estimated to travel without a reservation on trains to — (a) Warrnambool; (b) Ararat; (c) Swan Hill; (d) Echuca; (e) Shepparton; (f) Albury; (g) Bairnsdale.

(6) In July 2006 how many reservations were made for seats in either direction between Southern Cross station and — (a) Lara; (b) Melton; (c) Craigieburn; (d) Wallan; (e) Broadford; (f) Sunbury; (g) Gisborne; (h) Woodend.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(7) How many booking clerks does V/Line currently employ at —

(a) Southern Cross Station; (b) Flinders Street Station; (c) Geelong Station; (d) Ballarat Station; (e) Bendigo Station.

(8) What changes to numbers of booking office staff are expected once myki is operable; if a reduction of staff is expected — (a) what savings has V/Line budgeted for in 2007–08 in relation to changes to staff numbers

once myki is operable. (b) will any surplus booking office staff be —

(i) retrenched; (ii) redeployed.

ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised, the answer is:

(1) Total annual cost of maintaining compulsory reservations

(2) The top three components of the total annual cost of maintaining compulsory reservations

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(3) Passenger reservations in July 2006

(4) Reservations in 2007–08

(5) Percentage of passengers travelling on compulsory seat-booked trains without a reservation

(6) Reservations in July 2006

(a) Lara There were no reservations to/from Lara because this service at that time was unreserved.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(b) Melton There were no reservations to/from Melton because this service at that time was unreserved. Reservations are not required within the MET boundary.

(c) Craigieburn Reservations are not required within the MET boundary.

(d) Wallan There were no reservations to/from Wallan because this service at that time was unreserved.

(e) Broadford There were no reservations to/from Broadford because this service at that time was unreserved.

(f) Sunbury Reservations are not required within the MET boundary. (g) Gisborne 2 bookings were made to/from Gisborne. (h) Woodend 30 bookings were made to/from Woodend.

(7) Number of booking clerks employed by V/Line at the date the question was raised

Railway Station Number of V/Line Booking Clerks (a) Southern Cross 17 (b) Flinders Street 3 (c) Geelong 6 (d) Ballarat 5 (e) Bendigo 6

(8) No reduction in staff numbers has been budgeted.

Mental health: public workforce

344. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to the public mental health workforce — how many effective full-time —

(1) Social workers are currently employed. (2) Occupational therapists are currently employed. (3) Psychologists are currently employed. (4) Allied health staff other than social workers, occupational therapists and psychologists are

currently employed. (5) Unfilled allied health staff positions exist.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The number of effective full-time staff employed in each service within the public mental health system is determined by Health Services as the employer.

Mental health: residential withdrawal and drug detoxification services

349. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to waiting time for residential withdrawal and detoxification services —

(1) What was the average waiting time for services in — (a) 1999–2000; (b) 2000–01;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(c) 2001–02; (d) 2002–03; (e) 2003–04; (f) 2004–05; (g) 2005–06; (h) 2006–07.

(2) How are waiting times calculated. (3) Does the Government’s calculation of waiting times for the services take into account the period

between the initial contact and assessment.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The average waiting time for residential drug withdrawal services has reduced from nine working days in 1999/2000 to six working days in 2006/2007.

(2) Waiting times are calculated as the number of working days elapsed from when a client is screened/identified as requiring a particular treatment type, to the actual commencement of this treatment type.

(3) See (2)

Mental health: drug information nights

350. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to drug information nights held for parents using the $11 million set aside for drug prevention announced as part of the Government’s Saving Lives initiative in 2000 —

(1) How many were held. (2) On what dates were the meetings held. (3) At what locations were the meetings held. (4) How many parents in total attended.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1), (2), (3), (4) — Detailed information about the information sessions held seven years ago is not held by the Department of Human Services.

Mental health: drug treatment beds

351. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to drug treatment beds —

(1) How does the Government define a ‘treatment bed’ as outlined in a media release from the Premier’s office on 28 November 2000 titled Drugs: It’s our problem, lets fight it together.

(2) How many Department of Human Services funded treatment beds were operational in — (a) 1999–2000; (b) 2000–01; (c) 2001–02; (d) 2002–03;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(e) 2003–04; (f) 2004–05; (g) 2005–06; (h) 2006–07.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) Treatment beds include those provided in supported accommodation, residential withdrawal and residential rehabilitation services.

(2) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) — The number of DHS funded beds has increased from 432 in 1999–2000 to 754 in 2006–07.

Mental health: drug and alcohol counselling

352. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to drug and alcohol counselling sessions for families — how many drug and alcohol counselling sessions for families as outlined in a media release from the Premier’s office on 28 November 2000 titled Drugs: It’s our problem, lets fight it together were funded and provided by the Government in —

(1) 1999–2000. (2) 2000–01. (3) 2001–02. (4) 2002–03. (5) 2003–04. (6) 2004–05. (7) 2005–06. (8) 2006–07.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) — Departmental data is not stored in a way that enables this specific question to be answered.

Public transport: Rowville rail project

370. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to the ALP’s 1999 public transport election policy plan to identify a preferred train route to Rowville via Glen Waverley or Huntingdale —

(1) Has a decision been made not to go ahead with the plan; if so — (a) when was the decision made; (b) why was the decision made; (c) who made the decision; (d) did the Government consult with any key stakeholders about the decision.

(2) Does the Government have plans to go ahead with the plan in the future; if so, when.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:


(1) The Government has made no decision regarding a Rowville rail project. In October 2006, the Wellington Road SmartBus service commenced operation, providing a high quality, limited stop bus service between Rowville and Caulfield, via Huntingdale Station.

(2) Although Government has no plans at this time to construct Rowville railway, it is cognisant of the need not to preclude such an option.

Mental health: drug services budget

378. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to the 2007–08 drug services budget —

(1) How much money from the budget has been allocated to groups or programs which were previously funded through the Drug Rehabilitation and Research Fund.

(2) With reference to groups or programs that previously received funds from the Drug Rehabilitation and Research Fund and will now receive funds from the budget — (a) which groups or programs will receive funding; (b) how much funding will each group or initiative receive; (c) for each group or initiative will their funding be derived from drug prevention control or

drug treatment rehabilitation.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The 2007–08 Drugs Services Output budget includes recurrent funds of $830,000 for allocations to groups or Programs that were previously funded through the Drug Rehabilitation and Research Fund. This allocation took effect from 1 July 2007 and will be subject to annual indexation.

(2) (a), (b) & (c) — The following agencies and programs will receive recurrent funding:

Agency

Program

Funding $

Output

AGEnDAS (part of Anglicare Eastern) Parent Support Program 23,985.0

Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation

Odyssey House Parent Support Program 23,985.0


La Trobe Community Health Service Parent Support Program 23,985.0


Upper Hume Community Health Service Parent Support Program 23,985.0


Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Drug prevention 70,000.0 Drug Prevention and Control

Victorian Law Enforcement Drug Fund Crime Prevention 513,000.0

Drug Prevention and Control

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Mirabel Child Parent Services 25,000.0 Drug Prevention and Control

Association of Participating Service Users Client Advocacy 120,000.0


Total 823,940.0

Public transport: SmartBus route 900

434. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to the investigation into incorporating Wellington Road bus stops, west of Stud Road, into the SmartBus service —

(1) Has the investigation been finalised — (a) if not, when will it be finalised; (b) if so, what conclusions were reached regarding the existing stop on Wellington Road,

50 metres west of Stud Road.

(2) Are any additional new stops being considered for inclusion in the service. (3) Are there any investigations under way into the —

(a) frequency of the service; if so, when will the investigation be finalised; (b) hours of operation of the service; if so, when will the investigation be finalised; (c) extension of the route to include Knox City Shopping Centre; if so, when will the

investigation be finalised.

ANSWER:


(1) The Department of Infrastructure has completed its review of the bus stops along Wellington Road, west of Stud Road for use by SmartBus Route 900. These bus stops have now been upgraded to SmartBus standard and Route 900 commenced using these stops on 20 August 2007.

(2) The Department of Infrastructure has not received any further requests from the community for additional stops to be added to the SmartBus service.

(3a) There are currently no investigations into the frequency of Route 900 as it currently meets the minimum SmartBus requirements of a 15 minute frequency during core hours and 30 minutes at other times.

(3b) There are currently no investigations into the hours of operation of Route 900 as it currently meets the minimum SmartBus requirements of services from 5.00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 6.00 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. on Sundays.

(3c) There are no investigations being undertaken to extend the Route 900 SmartBus service to Knox City Shopping Centre. Passengers can currently connect with Route 665 on Stud Road that operates between Ringwood and Dandenong if they wish to travel to Knox City Shopping Centre.

Environment and climate change: Dandenong Ranges National Park

446. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Community Development for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change with reference to the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change’s answer to question on notice 109 in relation to the 650 hectare section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park —

(1) How many hectares fall into —

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(2) Of the 160 hectares subject to a controlled burn over the previous 10 years, how many hectares were burnt in — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(3) How many of the 25 hectares that will be burnt over the next three years will be in — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(4) When will forest in the remaining section of the National Park, that has not been subject to a controlled burn nor will be in the next three years, be subject to a controlled burn in — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) Of the 650 hectare section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park referred to —

(a) 74 hectares falls into zone one; (b) there is no zone two; (c) 455 hectares falls into zone three; (d) there is no zone four; (e) and 121 hectares falls into zone five.

(2) Of the 160 hectares subject to a controlled burn over the previous 10 years —

(a) 74 hectares was zone one; (b) there was no zone two as there is no zone two in this section of the Park; (c) 50 hectares was zone three; (d) there was no zone four as there is no zone four in this section of the Park; (e) and 36 hectares was zone five.

(3) Of the 25 hectares that will be burnt over the next three years —

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(a) 7 hectares will be in zone one; (b) there will be none in zone two as there is no zone two in this section of the Park; (c) 18 hectares will be in zone three; (d) there will none in zone four as there is no zone four in this section of the Park; (e) and there will be none in zone five.

(4) Overall fuel hazard is the primary trigger for burning. Community comment and operational considerations are used to develop practical burning units as part of the annual Fire Operations Planning process. The trigger levels and indicative burn times are as follows:

(a) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘moderate’, anywhere between five and nine years hence; (b) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘high’, anywhere between ten and twenty years hence, however there is no

zone two in this section of the Park; (c) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘high’ on 50% of the zone, anywhere between fifteen and thirty five years; (d) fire frequency and intensity is determined by species or ecosystem requirements, however there is no

zone four in this section of the Park; (e) no burning is planned for zone five.

Environment and climate change: Lysterfield State Park

447. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Community Development for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change with reference to the former Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change’s answer to question on notice 110 in relation to controlled burning in the Lysterfield State Park —

(1) How many of the 1,430 hectares in the Park fall into — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(2) How many of the 80 hectares subject to controlled burns and the 110 hectares burnt in the 2003 wildfire were in — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(3) How many of the 30 hectares to be burnt over the next three years are in — (a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

(4) When will forest that has either not been subject to the 2003 wildfire, a controlled burn nor will be in the next three years, be subject to a controlled burn in —

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(a) zone one; (b) zone two; (c) zone three; (d) zone four; (e) zone five.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

In relation to fuel reduction burning in the Lysterfield State Park —

(1) Of the 1,430 hectares in the Park —

(a) zone one; makes up 14 hectares; (b) zone two; makes up 74 hectares; (c) zone three; makes up 1184 hectares; (d) there is no zone four; (e) and zone five makes up 158 hectares.

(2) Of the 80 hectares subject to fuel reduction burns and the 110 hectares burnt in the 2003 bushfire —

(a) 14 hectares was in zone one; (b) 29 hectares was in zone two; (c) 147 hectares was in zone three; (d) none was in zone four, as there is no zone four within the Park; (e) and none was in zone five.

(3) Of the 30 hectares to be fuel reduction over the next three years —

(a) 9 hectares is in zone one; (b) there is no zone two; (c) 21 hectares is in zone three; (d) there is no zone four within the Park; (e) and none is in zone five.

(4) Overall fuel hazard is the primary trigger for burning. Community comment and operational considerations are used to develop practical burning units as part of the annual Fire Operations Planning process. The trigger levels and indicative burn times are as follows:

(a) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘moderate’, anywhere between five and nine years hence; (b) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘high’, anywhere between ten and twenty years hence; (c) overall fuel hazard reaches ‘high’ on 50% of the zone, anywhere between fifteen and thirty five years

hence; (d) fire frequency and intensity is determined by species or ecosystem requirements, however there is no

zone four in this section of the Park; (e) no burning is planned for zone five.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Treasurer: Rural Finance Corporation entertainment expenses

457. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — with reference to the Rural Finance Corporation’s entertainment expenses for 2006–07 —

(1) What was the total cost incurred. (2) What are the itemised details of all expenditure in excess of $500 including —

(a) date incurred; (b) cost; (c) number of guests; (d) purpose; (e) name of service provider.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

There were no entertainment expenses incurred in 2006–07 by the Rural Finance Corporation.

Mental health: dual-diagnosis services

481. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to dual diagnosis services —

(1) What services or initiatives were funded with the Government’s 2002–03 budget commitment of $360,000 for early intervention services for young people with mental illness and co-existing substance abuse.

(2) How much funding did each service or initiative receive in — (a) 2002–03; (b) 2003–04; (c) 2004–05; (d) 2005–06; (e) 2006–07.

(3) Has an evaluation of the programs been carried out. (4) Has funding for each group been ongoing.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1)–(4) Dual Diagnosis funding is provided recurrently to the relevant Area Mental Health Services.

Information on mental health funding to services can be found in the Public Hospitals and Mental Health Services Policy and Funding Guidelines at the following website: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pfg/.

Information on current and previous years’ state budgets can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/budget/index.htm

An evaluation of the dual diagnosis initiative was carried out in 2003.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Public transport: Geelong V/Line service

494. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to passenger usage on V/Line’s Geelong service since 1 July 2007 —

(1) In reference to the 7.17 a.m. up South Geelong — (a) what has been the maximum number of passengers carried on any one day; (b) on what date was the maximum number of passengers carried.

(2) In reference to the 5.29 p.m. from down Marshall — (a) what has been the maximum number of passengers carried on any one day; (b) on what date was the maximum number of passengers carried.

(3) On what days has the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong weekday train been stopped at any point along the Geelong line to allow the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall to overtake.

(4) Between 10 September 2007 and 20 September 2007 — (a) How many passengers boarded the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong on each weekday at —

(i) Southern Cross Station; (ii) North Melbourne Station; (ii) Footscray Station;

(b) How many passengers disembarked the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong on each weekday at — (i) Lara Station; (ii) North Geelong Station; (ii) Geelong Station;

(c) How many passengers boarded the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall on each weekday at — (i) Southern Cross Station; (ii) North Melbourne Station;

(d) How many passengers disembarked the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall on each weekday at — (i) Lara Station; (ii) North Geelong Station; (ii) Geelong Station; (iii) South Geelong Station; (iv) Marshall Station.

ANSWER:


(1 & 2)

7.17 a.m. up South Geelong

5.29 p.m. down Marshall

Maximum number of passengers carried on any one day 688 351 Date of the maximum number of passengers carried 11/09/07 3/07/07

(3) Since 1 July 2007, there have been no days when the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong service was stopped to allow the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall service to overtake.

(4a) Number of passengers that boarded the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong service at:

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(4b) Number of passengers that disembarked the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong service at:

(4c) Number of passengers that boarded the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall service at:

(4d) Number of passengers that disembarked the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall service at:

Public transport: Geelong V/Line service

495. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to arrival times of trains on the Geelong line between 1 July 2007 and 20 September 2007 —

(1) On how many occasions did the 7.17 a.m. up South Geelong arrive at Southern Cross Station — (a) early; (b) on time; (c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late; (d) between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late; (e) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late; (f) between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late; (g) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late; (h) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late; (i) 30 minutes or more late.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) On what dates did the 7.17 a.m. up South Geelong arrive at Southern Cross Station 10 minutes or

more late and what was the reason for each instance. (3) On how many occasions did the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong arrive at Geelong Station —

(a) early; (b) on time; (c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late; (d) between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late; (e) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late; (f) between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late; (g) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late; (h) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late; (i) 30 minutes or more late.

(4) On what dates did the 5.13 p.m. down Geelong arrive at Geelong Station 10 minutes or more late and what was the reason for each instance.

(5) On how many occasions did the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall arrive at Geelong Station and Marshall Station — (a) early; (b) on time; (c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late; (d) between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late; (e) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late; (f) between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late; (g) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late; (h) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late; (i) 30 minutes or more late.

(6) On what dates did the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall arrive at Geelong Station or Marshall Station 10 minutes or more late and what was the reason for each instance.

ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised, the answers are:

The 7.17 a.m. up South Geelong, 5.13 p.m. down Geelong and the 5.29 p.m. down Marshall train services only operate on weekdays.

(1) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 7.17 a.m. South Geelong to Southern Cross Station weekday service was reported to arrive at Southern Cross Station in the following time bands:

Arriving at Southern Cross Station Services (a) Early 0 (b) On time 8 (c) Between 1 second and 59 seconds late See Note (d) Between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late 31 (e) Between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late 3 (f) Between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late 12 (g) Between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late 5 (h) Between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late 0 (i) 30 minutes or more late 0

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Note — V/Line Passenger records arrival times in one minute increments. It does not report on arrival times between 1 second and 59 seconds late.

(2) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 7.17 a.m. South Geelong to Southern Cross Station service was reported to arrive more than 10 minutes late on 17 occasions. Reasons for this included: delays in the suburban network; passenger illness; rolling stock issues; and signalling issues.

(3) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 5.13 p.m. Southern Cross Station to Geelong weekday service was reported to arrive at Geelong in the following time bands:

Arriving at Geelong Services (a) Early 18 (b) On time 5 (c) Between 1 second and 59 seconds late See Note (d) Between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late 24 (e) Between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late 3 (f) Between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late 3 (g) Between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late 3 (h) Between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late 2 (i) 30 minutes or more late 0


(4) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 5.13 p.m. Southern Cross Station to Geelong weekday service was reported to run more than 10 minutes late on 8 occasions. Reasons for this included: rolling stock issues; vandalism; and delays caused by emergency services or police.

(5) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 5.29 p.m. Southern Cross Station to Marshall weekday service was reported to arrive at Marshall in the following time bands (V/Line Passenger does not provide the Department of Infrastructure with the actual arrival or departure times at Geelong Railway Station for this service — only arrivals at Marshall are noted):

Arriving at Marshall Services (a) Early 6 (b) On time 8 (c) Between 1 second and 59 seconds late See Note (d) Between 1 minute and 5 minutes 59 seconds late 22 (e) Between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late 6 (f) Between 10 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late 5 (g) Between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late 2 (h) Between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late 7 (i) 30 minutes or more late 0


(6) In the period 1 July to 20 September 2007, the 5.29 p.m. Southern Cross Station to Marshall weekday service was reported to arrive more than 10 minutes late at Marshall Railway Station on 14 occasions. The reasons for this included vandalism; rolling stock issues; signalling issues; and delays in the suburban network.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Public transport: bus route 900

502. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to SmartBus route 900 Rowville to Caulfield — in 2006 and 2007 —

(1) What were the patronage figures during — (a) peak hours; (b) off-peak hours; (c) weekends.

(2) How many times was the service cancelled. (3) How many times did the service run late by more than five minutes.

ANSWER:


(1) The patronage figures in 2006 and 2007 (up to 29 September 2007) for peak hours, off peak hours and weekends on bus Route 900 were as follows:

(a) Peak (b) Off Peak (c) Weekends 2006* 33,262 36,404 16,698 2007 310,567 292,089 105,939

Note: These figures are based on ticket validations. * Route 900 commenced on 16 October 2006.

(2–3) Information on the number of bus services cancelled and the number of bus services that ran late by more than five minutes is not collected on an individual route basis. Contracted bus operators provide the Department of Infrastructure with monthly service cancellations and late running data on an aggregate basis.


503. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus route 755 Bayswater to Knox City via Mountain Gate — in 2006 and 2007 —



ANSWER:



QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(a) Peak (b) Off Peak (c) Weekends 2006 145,705 93,422 11,891 2007 106,922 68,754 9,742

Note: These figures are based on ticket validations.



504. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus route 693 Belgrave to Oakleigh — in 2006 and 2007 —



ANSWER:







505. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus route 665 Ringwood to Dandenong via Stud Park and Knox City — in 2006 and 2007 —


(2) How many times was the service cancelled.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(3) How many times did the service run late by more than five minutes.

ANSWER:




Note: These figures have been based on ticket validations.


Public transport: bus routes 681 and 682

506. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus routes 681 and 682 Lysterfield to Knox City Loop — in 2006 and 2007 —



ANSWER:


(1) The patronage figures in 2006 and 2007 (up to 29 September 2007) for peak hours, off peak hours and weekends on bus Routes 681 and 682 were as follows:




QUESTIONS ON NOTICE



507. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus route 732 Box Hill to Upper Ferntree Gully along Burwood Highway — in 2006 and 2007 —



ANSWER:







508. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to bus route 691 Bayswater to Waverley Gardens via Ferntree Gully and Stud Park — in 2006 and 2007 —



ANSWER:





QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2–3)

Information on the number of bus services cancelled and the number of bus services that ran late by more than five minutes is not collected on an individual route basis. Contracted bus operators provide the Department of Infrastructure with monthly service cancellations and late running data on an aggregate basis.

Treasurer: State Revenue Office communications staff

514. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission (for the Treasurer) — how many officers in the State Revenue Office were engaged in communications, including public, corporate and media relations, as at 30 June 2007 and —

(1) What is the salary band for each. (2) What is the job title for each.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The State Revenue Office has one officer engaged in communications, who is involved in liaison and communication with all key SRO stakeholders.

(1) The salary band for this officer is VPS Grade 6.

(2) The job title for this officer is Corporate Relations Adviser.

Public transport: wheelchair-accessible-taxis

516. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Public Transport —

(1) Do passengers have to contact local operators on a WAT driver’s mobile phone to arrange travel with a WAT vehicle; if so, what is the anticipated average phone charge to be incurred by the passenger.

(2) How many WAT vehicles will be operating in the City of Knox as a result of the strategic placement of WAT vehicles.

(3) Will Metropolitan Access Officers be available to receive complaints from passengers of WAT services.

(4) How will passengers of WAT services be informed of the availability and contact details for Metropolitan Access Officers.

ANSWER:


(1) Passengers can arrange travel in a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) via a number of booking methods including through a Network Service Provider or in some instances through to the driver direct.

(2) One WAT has been strategically placed in the City of Knox. The Victorian Taxi Directorate is currently considering increasing this number.

(3) No. To enable complaints from passengers regarding WAT services to be investigated, they need to be lodged with the Victorian Taxi Directorate via mail to PO Box 666 North Melbourne, Victoria 3051. Complaints can also be lodged online via the website <www.taxi.vic.gov.au>, or by telephone (03) 9320 4300 or 1800 638 802 (toll free for country callers).

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(4) A communication strategy will be developed by the Victorian Taxi Directorate to inform passengers in

wheelchairs within their council area on the availability and contact details for Metropolitan Access Officers.

Water: Lake Mokoan

522. Dr SYKES to ask the Minister for Water —

(1) Will the Minister consult and attempt to reach agreement with Broken System water entitlement holders about alternatives to decommissioning Lake Mokoan and appropriate cost sharing arrangements as required under s. 17 of the Bulk Entitlement (Broken System-Goulburn Murray Water) Conversion Order 2004; if so, when and with whom will these consultations take place.

(2) Has the Government, through the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority or another agency, undertaken an investigation into the potential impact of decommissioning Lake Mokoan on the environmental health of the Broken River with specific reference to the risks to fish survival with lower summer and autumn river flows.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) Discussions are continuing with Broken Valley irrigators regarding their proposal for a new storage at Lake Mokoan and partial decommissioning. Section 17 of the Bulk Entitlement Conversion Order does not apply because any reduction in diversions will not be made unilaterally by Government but will be voluntary if an irrigator decides to sell their entitlement. In addition, resource availability will not be affected as the Government has committed to maintain existing reliability.

(2) The Department of Sustainability and Environment has investigated the potential impact of decommissioning Lake Mokoan on the environmental health of the Broken River, and has referred the project to the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage for consideration under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water Resources has advised that ‘the proposed action is not a controlled action and therefore does not require approval before it can proceed’.

A similar referral was made to the Victorian Minister for Planning under the Environment Effects Act 1978. The Minister for Planning has determined that an Environmental Effects Statement is not required. In particular he determined that:

– The environmental investigations have been comprehensive and provide an adequate basis upon which to assess potential environmental effects.

– The project is unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and is expected to provide a clear net environmental benefit for the Broken, Goulburn, Murray and Snowy Rivers, and Winton wetlands.

– Some localised impacts on tourism and recreational values at Lake Mokoan are likely, but these will be offset by the proposals to rehabilitate the Winton Wetlands.

– Environmental Management Plans including associated flora and fauna surveys and other monitoring will ensure any environmental risks are properly managed.

Education: Ferntree Gully Secondary College site

523. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Education with reference to the vacant Ferntree Gully Secondary College site on Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully —

(1) Is the Minister aware that the Knox Environment Society has used part of the land formerly occupied by the College as a nursery for the past 23 years.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) What plans does the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development have for the

site. (3) Will any of the plans for the site require the Knox Environment Society to find an alternative

location for its nursery; if so, how much notice will be provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

(4) When will a decision be made regarding the future use of the site. (5) Are there any interested parties being considered regarding the future use of the site; if so, which

parties are interested in using the site.

ANSWER:


(1) The Department is aware that the Knox Environment Society had a local agreement with the former Ferntree Gully Secondary College for use of part of the site as a nursery at no charge. Upon the closure of the College the Department was supportive for those arrangements to continue on an interim basis. The Society has now arranged its own direct water supply to ensure no disruptions occur.

(2) The Department is currently investigating possible future education uses for the site.

(3) Should any of the plans for the site impact on its use by the Knox Environment Society, the Department will give sufficient notice in order for the Society to find an alternate location for its nursery.

(4) Because the Department is currently investigating plans for future use of the site, it is unable to provide a date for a final decision. However the Department will continue to be mindful of the potential impact on the Knox Environmental Society.

(5) At this stage there have not been any discussions regarding the future use of the site.

Roads and ports: Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, extension

529. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports with reference to Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully —

(1) Are there any plans to extend Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully to connect with Napoleon Road, Rowville — (a) if so, when will the extension commence; (b) if not —

(i) when will the Government investigate an extension; (ii) against what criteria will the Government assess the need for an extension.

(2) Are there any plans to extend Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully to connect with Lysterfield Road, Rowville — (a) if so, when will the extension commence; (b) if not, when will the Government investigate an extension of Dorset Road.

(3) When was the last traffic count concluded. (4) What was the outcome of the last traffic count. (5) How many cars, on average, use the road during —

(a) weekdays prior to 7.30 a.m.; (b) weekdays between 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.; (c) weekdays between 8.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m.; (d) weekdays between 9.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(e) weekdays between 9.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.; (f) weekdays between 3.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.; (g) weekdays between 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.; (h) weekdays between 5.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m.; (i) weekdays between 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.; (j) weekdays after 7.00 p.m.; (k) weekends.

(6) How many roads being considered for extension have a higher priority than Dorset Road, between the Burwood Highway and — (a) Napoleon Road; (b) Lysterfield Road.

(7) How many cars, on average, use the next most prioritised road for extension after Dorset Road, or the least prioritised road being considered for extension if Dorset Road is not being considered, between the Burwood Highway and Napoleon Road during — (a) weekdays prior to 7.30 a.m.; (b) weekdays between 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.; (c) weekdays between 8.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m.; (d) weekdays between 9.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.;

ANSWER:


Land has been reserved in the Knox Planning Scheme for a future extension of Dorset Road between the Burwood Highway and Lysterfield Road. Original concept plans for the future road were prepared by the City of Knox.

Planning for major road improvements is undertaken with regard to the objectives of the Government’s planning and transport strategies. The need for an extension of Dorset Road will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the Government’s Linking Melbourne — Metropolitan Transport Plan and Meeting our Transport Challenges for the Outer Metropolitan Arterial Roads Program.

The latest traffic count was completed in September 2006, before the Kelletts Road duplication commenced, which indicated that traffic in Dorset Road at the Burwood Highway intersection is within capacity for a four-lane, two-way arterial road.

The average number of vehicles travelling on Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, is :

Weekdays prior to 7:30 a.m. — 1420 vehicles. Weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. — 1430 vehicles. Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. — 610 vehicles. Weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. — 530 vehicles. Weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. — 820 vehicles per hour. Weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. — 960 vehicles. Weekdays between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. — 920 vehicles. Weekdays between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. — 940 vehicles. Weekdays between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. — 700 vehicles. Weekdays after 7:00 p.m. — 325 vehicles per hour. Weekends: 9620 vehicles per day.

Since 1999, 39 significant road projects have been completed in outer metropolitan areas and the Brumby Government has committed to a further 24 new outer metropolitan projects worth more than $500 million.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Public transport: Box Hill railway station

531. Mr CLARK to ask the Minister for Public Transport — has any modelling or other assessment been undertaken by or on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure on the costs and benefits of including Box Hill railway station or the suburb of Box Hill in metropolitan public transport zone 1; if so, what were the results of that modelling or assessment.

ANSWER:


There has been no recent modelling or assessment of the costs associated with the inclusion of Box Hill Railway Station into Zone 1.

Box Hill Railway Station is located 16.2 kilometres by rail from Melbourne, a comparable distance with other stations located in Zone 2. For example, Ruthven (15.9 kms), Ginifer (16.2 kms), Gowrie (14.7 kms), Rosanna (15.8 kms) and Jacana (15.4 kms) are all the first railway stations in Zone 2 on their respective lines.

Public transport: Metcard and V/Line ticket use

533. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport — on 11 October 2007 —

(1) How many passengers used Metcards valid for zones one and two to enter — (a) Flinders Street station between —

(i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(b) Melbourne Central station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(c) Parliament station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(d) Flagstaff station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(e) Southern Cross station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(2) How many passengers used Metcards valid for zones one and two to exit — (a) Flinders Street station between —





(e) Southern Cross station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.; (ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.

(3) How many passengers used V/Line tickets valid for zones one and two to enter — (a) Flinders Street station between —



(c) Parliament station between — (i) 5.00 a.m. and 5.59 a.m.;

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(ii) 6.00 a.m. and 6.59 a.m.; (iii) 7.00 a.m. and 7.59 a.m.; (iv) 8.00 a.m. and 8.59 a.m.



(4) How many passengers used V/Line tickets valid for zones one and two to exit — (a) Flinders Street station between —






(5) How many passengers are estimated to have used the Frankston and Watergardens line trains scheduled to arrive at Flinders Street station before 7.00 a.m.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised the answer is:

(1) The number of passengers that used Metcards valid for zones one and two to enter Flinders Street, Melbourne Central, Parliament, Flagstaff and Southern Cross Railway Stations on 11 October 2007:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Railway Station

Between 5.00 a.m.

and 5.59 a.m.

Between 6.00 a.m.

and 6.59 a.m.

Between 7.00 a.m.

and 7.59 a.m.

Between 8.00 a.m.

and 8.59 a.m.

a) Flinders Street 40 231 1,311 1,680 b) Melbourne

Central 26 69 296 466

c) Parliament 14 56 302 432 d) Flagstaff 4 30 138 206 e) Southern Cross 19 84 519 676

Notes – The table shows all entry validations of valid Metcards. – Some passengers with valid Metcards will have passed through open barriers without validating their

tickets.

(2) The number of passengers that used Metcards valid for zones one and two to exit Flinders Street, Melbourne Central, Parliament, Flagstaff and Southern Cross Railway Stations on 11 October 2007:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Railway Station

Between 5.00 a.m.

and 5.59 a.m.

Between 6.00 a.m.

and 6.59 a.m.

Between 7.00 a.m.

and 7.59 a.m.

Between 8.00 a.m.

and 8.59 a.m.

a) Flinders Street 13 461 6,415 12,792 b) Melbourne

Central 99 912 5,890 11,876

c) Parliament 27 1,080 6,486 14,249 d) Flagstaff 22 551 3,737 7,646 e) Southern Cross 7 179 4,142 8,288

Notes – The table shows all exit validations of valid Metcards. This includes passengers who travelled on V/Line

services using Metcard tickets. – Some passengers with valid Metcards will have passed through open barriers without validating their

tickets.

(3 & 4) Non-Metcard tickets issued by V/Line are paper based and do not generate validation transactions in the automatic ticketing system. The number of passengers using V/Line tickets to enter and exit stations is not counted by Connex staff.

(5) Data is not available on the number of passengers that used the Frankston and Watergardens line trains scheduled to arrive at Flinders Street Station before 7.00 a.m. on 11 October 2007.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Public transport: Seymour V/Line service

534. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport — between 1 September 2007 and 11 October 2007 —

(1) How many times did each Seymour to Southern Cross weekday train leaving at 5.35 a.m., 6.00 a.m., 6.25 a.m., 7.04 a.m., 8.03 a.m. and 8.38 a.m., or its morning equivalent prior to the 30 September 2007 timetable change, arrive — (a) early; (b) on time to the second; (c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late; (d) between 1 minute and 1 minute 59 seconds late; (e) between 2 minutes and 5 minutes 59 seconds late; (f) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late; (g) between 10 minutes and 10 minutes 59 seconds late; (h) between 11 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late; (i) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late; (j) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late; (k) 30 minutes or more late.

(2) How many times did each Southern Cross to Seymour weekday train leaving at 4.32 p.m., 5.10 p.m., 5.40 p.m., 6.13 p.m., 6.33 p.m., 6.42 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., or its afternoon or evening equivalent prior to the 30 September 2007 timetable change, arrive — (a) early; (b) on time to the second; (c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late; (d) between 1 minute and 1 minute 59 seconds late; (e) between 2 minutes and 5 minutes 59 seconds late; (f) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late; (g) between 10 minutes and 10 minutes 59 seconds late; (h) between 11 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late; (i) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late; (j) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late; (k) 30 minutes or more late.

ANSWER:


(1) For the 29 weekdays between 1 September 2007 and 11 October 2007, trains departing Seymour for Southern Cross Railway Station at 5.35 a.m., 6.00 a.m., 6.25 a.m., 7.04 a.m., 8.03 a.m. and 8.38 a.m. (or its morning equivalent prior to the 30 September 2007 timetable change) were reported to arrive at their destination in the following time bands:

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Services scheduled to depart from Seymour at (or equivalent

service prior to 30 September 2007):

Arriving at destination 5.35 a.m.

6.00 a.m.

6.25 a.m.

7.04 a.m.

8.03 a.m.

8.38 a.m.

(a) early 13 26 1 2 4 6

(b) on time to the second see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A)

(c) between 1 second and 59 seconds late see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) (b) & (c)

between 59 seconds early and 59 seconds late 12 2 8 5 4 5

(d) between 1 minute and 1 minute 59 seconds late 2 0 3 2 3 3

(e) between 2 minutes and 5 minutes 59 seconds late 1 1 12 14 11 8

(f) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 3 4 4 3

(g) between 10 minutes and 10 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 1 0 1 0

(h) between 11 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 1 1 0 2

(i) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 0 0 0 2

(j) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 0 1 0 0

(k) 30 minutes or more late 0 0 0 0 1 0

Note: The 5.35 a.m. and the 8.03 train services from Seymour did not operate on 11 September.

(2) For the 29 weekdays between 1 September 2007 and 11 October 2007, trains departing Southern Cross Railway Station for Seymour at 4.32 p.m., 5.10 p.m., 5.40 p.m., 6.13 p.m., 6.33 p.m., 6.42 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. (or its afternoon or evening equivalent prior to the 30 September 2007 timetable change) were reported to arrive at their destination in the following time bands:

Services scheduled to depart from Southern Cross at (or equivalent

service prior to 30 September 2007): Arriving at destination – see

note (B) 4.32 p.m.

5.10 p.m.

5.40 p.m.

6.13 p.m.

6.33 p.m.

6.42 p.m.

7.30 p.m.

(a) early 18 9 12 14 8 1 10

(b) on time to the second see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) (c) between 1 second and 59

seconds late see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) see note

(A) (b) & (c)

between 59 seconds early and 59 seconds late 2 5 2 3 2 2 6

(d) between 1 minute and 1 minute 59 seconds late 2 3 1 2 1 0 0

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Services scheduled to depart from Southern Cross at (or equivalent

service prior to 30 September 2007): Arriving at destination – see

note (B) 4.32 p.m.

5.10 p.m.

5.40 p.m.

6.13 p.m.

6.33 p.m.

6.42 p.m.

7.30 p.m.

(e) between 2 minutes and 5 minutes 59 seconds late 4 6 8 4 4 2 5

(f) between 6 minutes and 9 minutes 59 seconds late 1 3 2 0 2 3 3

(g) between 10 minutes and 10 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 1 0 2 0 0

(h) between 11 minutes and 14 minutes 59 seconds late 0 0 1 1 3 0 0

(i) between 15 minutes and 19 minutes 59 seconds late 0 1 0 0 3 0 0

(j) between 20 minutes and 29 minutes 59 seconds late 1 0 1 2 2 1 1

(k) 30 minutes or more late 0 1 0 3 2 0 4

Notes:

Note (A) — on time information reported by V/Line does not support a distinction as specified in parts (b) and (c) of Questions 1 and 2. The equivalent reported punctuality figure for these two categories is’ services arriving between 59 seconds early and 59 seconds late’.

Note (B) — arrival times for services departing from Southern Cross Station are reported at destination. Seymour was the destination for all services referred to in Question 2, other than the 6.13 p.m. and the 6.33 p.m. services whose destinations were Albury and Shepparton respectively. The 6.42 p.m. service commenced operation on 1 October 2007.

The 4.32 p.m., 5.10 p.m. and the 5.40 p.m. services from Southern Cross Station did not operate on 25 September 2007 due to a suburban train incident.

Health: hospital investments

535. Mrs SHARDEY to ask the Minister for Health with reference to s. 29 of the Health Services Act 1988 which allows public hospitals to make external investments —

(1) What is the total amount of all private sector investments in excess of $500,000 currently made by each public hospital.

(2) How many hospitals have made investments of greater than $500,000 in non-government financial assets and what are the investment categories.

(3) Has any risk analysis been performed on each investment made; if so, can the Minister provide details on the risk analysis undertaken.

(4) Have any investments been made in overseas asset classes; if so, which hospitals have made such investments and what are the amounts.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) This information is available from the financial statements for public hospitals for the year ended 30 June 2007, which have been tabled in the Parliament.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) This information is available from the financial statements for public hospitals for the year ended 30 June

2007, which have been tabled in the Parliament.

(3) All hospitals are expected to have an investment policy, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Health Services Act 1988, The Prudential Risk Management Framework For The State’s Financial Markets Activities (Issued by DTF in March 2001), The Financial Management Act 1994 and Trustee Act 1958. These documents provide a broad framework to assist hospital Boards of Management to manage the investments held on behalf of public hospitals. All investments are to be assessed for risk in accordance with the investment policies prepared in accordance with the guidance provided by these documents. It is the role of hospital Boards of Management to perform a risk analysis of hospital investments.

(4) Hospitals use a range of professional investment services to manage their cash assets. These assets are to be invested in accordance with hospital investment policies.

Public transport: crime statistics

538(b). Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to arson, property damage, burglary (aggravated), burglary (other), theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, theft of bicycle, theft (other), deception, handling of stolen goods, drugs (cultivate, manufacture or traffic), drugs (possession or use), going equipped to steal, regulated public order, justice procedures, weapons or explosives, harassment, behaviour in public, family incidents, homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, assault and abduction or kidnapping offences between 1 July and 30 September 2007 —

(1) How many of each offence occurred — (a) on public transport vehicles; (b) at railway stations; (c) at tram stops; (d) at bus stops; (e) on land such as commuter car parks owned by VicTrack, the Department of Infrastructure or

other public transport stakeholders.

(2) How many offenders in each offence category were alleged to have been committed by persons aged — (a) under 18; (b) 18 to 59; (c) 60 plus.

ANSWER:


(1 & 2) These questions should be directed to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services as data on criminal activity at railway stations and other public transport infrastructure is collated and held by Victoria Police.


539. Mrs SHARDEY to ask the Minister for Health with reference to s. 29 of the Health Services Act 1988 which allows public hospitals to make external investments — for each investment currently held by hospitals or health services over $500,000 —

(1) What is the name of the entity that provided the investment advice to the hospital or service.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) What is the investment criteria used by each hospital or service to —

(a) determine each investment entered into; (b) assess investment performance for each investment.

(3) What fees have been paid and how have they been structured for each investment.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The department does not maintain a list of the names of the entities that provide investment advice to hospitals and health services. Hospital investment decisions are the responsibility of hospital Boards of Management and do not require approval by the department.

(2) All hospitals are expected to have an investment policy, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Health Services Act 1988, The Prudential Risk Management Framework For The State’s Financial Markets Activities (Issued by DTF in March 2001), The Financial Management Act 1994 and Trustee Act 1958. These documents provide a broad framework to assist hospital Boards of Management to determine and manage the investments held on behalf of public hospitals. All investments are to be assessed in accordance with the investment policies prepared in accordance with the guidance provided by these documents. It is the role of hospital Boards of Management to perform an analysis of hospital investments.

(3) Any fees related to their investments are expected to be in accordance with the normal commercial agreements for such investments.

Education: school utility grants

540. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — is a school’s utility grant reduced when its water consumption drops due to the installation of water tanks.

ANSWER:


A school’s utility grant is not reduced when its water consumption drops due to the installation of water tanks. All Victorian schools are encouraged to utilise various measures to save water.

Education: Victorian certificate of education examination guidelines

542. Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Education with reference to the rejection of requests for a VCE student with a severe hearing disability to receive an extra 15 minutes reading time during VCE examinations — have the relevant guidelines been reviewed and, if necessary, clarified to ensure that other students are not similarly disadvantaged in the 2007 examinations or in the future.

ANSWER:


The case of the student referred to was reviewed and the student received the requested extra reading time. All other students who were in the same category received extra reading time. The VCAA, as part of its regular review of the special examination arrangements, is reviewing the process for hearing impaired students for 2008.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE



548. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport —

(1) Are there any departures between the 5.35 p.m. and the 5.56 p.m. weekday departures from the corner of Bridge Road and Hoddle Street to Elsternwick.

(2) Notwithstanding that some buses originate from La Trobe University, on weekdays, can the southbound timetable be altered to deliver an afternoon peak hours service equivalent to the 10 minute frequency provided from Elsternwick to Clifton Hill for departures from Elsternwick between 3.56 p.m. and 5.56 p.m.

ANSWER:

In responding to this question it is assumed that the Member is referring to the southbound service to Elsternwick (not from Elsternwick). On the basis of this interpretation the answer is:

(1) No.

(2) This question does not seek factual information, but rather seeks an announcement of Government policy.

Public transport: popular bus routes

549. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport — on 22 October 2007 —

(1) What were the 10 most popular bus routes in Melbourne. (2) For each of the 10 most popular bus routes in Melbourne, how many validations were made for —

(a) adult Metcards; (b) concession Metcards.

ANSWER:


(1) The 10 most popular bus routes in Melbourne on 22 October 2007 (calculated from validations data) were:

1 700 Box Hill–Mordialloc 2 703 Middle Brighton–Blackburn 3 220 Sunshine–City–Gardenvale 4 246 Elsternwick–Clifton Hill–La Trobe University Bundoora 5 216 Caroline Springs–City–Brighton Beach 6 828 Hampton–Berwick Railway Station (via Dandenong) 7 737 Croydon–Monash University 8 888 Nunawading–Chelsea (via Springvale and Edithvale) 9 291 Box Hill–Heidelberg (via Doncaster Shoppingtown)

10 250 Garden City/Port Melbourne–City–La Trobe University Bundoora

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) (a&b)

The number of Adult (full fare) validations and Concession validations on the 10 most popular bus routes in Melbourne on 22 October 2007 were:

Bus Route (number and name)

Number of Adult (full fare) validations

Number of Concession validations

700 Box Hill–Mordialloc 3,417 4,218 703 Middle Brighton–Blackburn 2,463 3,152 220 Sunshine–City–Gardenvale 2,418 2,993 246 Elsternwick–Clifton Hill–La Trobe University Bundoora 2,190 2,410 216 Caroline Springs–City–Brighton Beach 1,453 2,256 828 Hampton–Berwick Railway Station (via Dandenong) 857 2,362 737 Croydon–Monash University 1,028 2,117 888 Nunawading–Chelsea (via Springvale and Edithvale) 1,259 1,868 291 Box Hill–Heidelberg (via Doncaster Shoppingtown) 1,064 1,990 250 Garden City/Port Melbourne–City–La Trobe University Bundoora 1,495 1,543

Notes: – Ticket validations do not equate to patronage figures because of fare evasion and passengers with valid tickets

who do not validate.

Water: food bowl modernisation project

557. Ms ASHER to ask the Minister for Water with reference to the Food Bowl Modernisation Project —

(1) When will the pipeline route be selected. (2) Where will the booster pumping station be built. (3) Where will the power come from. (4) Will property owners be fully compensated at market rates for the loss of value and production

associated with the pipeline coming through their land. (5) What financial or other feasibility studies have been carried out. (6) Why is an environmental effects study not being undertaken.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The final Sugarloaf Pipeline route is expected to be confirmed and announced in early 2008.

(2) The final location of the Booster Pump Station is yet to be decided. The location of the pump station and its final dimensions are currently being assessed as part of the project’s engineering and design process.

(3) As the project is still in the engineering and design stage, the final source of power has yet to be determined. A number of options are being considered. Melbourne Water expects to be able to answer more detailed questions on this matter in the coming months.

(4) Yes. Once the location of the easement is determined, a valuation will be undertaken on the property to determine what level of compensation will be paid to the property owner. If the owner is not happy with that

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


valuation, Melbourne Water will pay a reasonable sum for a valuer, chosen by the property owner, to also value the property. Following that there will be negotiation to reach an agreed value.

(5) A feasibility study of the project was carried out by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and was published in June 2007. A copy of this study is available on the Our Water Our Future website.

(6) An Environment Effects Statement (EES) Referral was submitted to the Minister for Planning on 8 November 2007. The Minister has a minimum of 20 working days to consider this referral and determine whether an EES is required for the project.

Housing: emergency and transitional

567. Mrs FYFFE to ask the Minister for Housing — how many housing units, houses or flats are provided for —

(1) Emergency housing. (2) Transitional housing.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The Victorian Government has delivered significant expansion and reform of the Victorian homelessness service system. At 30 June 2007 the Victorian Government was funding 235 Crisis Supported properties, representing an increase of 61 per cent since 30 June 1999.

(2) At 30 June 2007 there were 3,545 Transitional Housing properties being funded by the Victorian Government, which provide assistance to people who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness, representing an increase of 35 per cent since 30 June 1999.

Housing: Office of Housing vacancies

568. Mrs FYFFE to ask the Minister for Housing — between 1–27 October 2007 how many —

(1) Office of Housing properties were vacant due to maintenance or cleaning. (2) Days was each Office of Housing property vacant while waiting for cleaning or repairs.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The Office of Housing makes every effort to ensure that vacant properties are allocated as soon as is practicable to avoid properties being left unoccupied. At 27 October 2007 there were 402 properties statewide that were vacant due to cleaning or maintenance requirements.

(2) The average time properties have been vacant is 31.9 days, which is well under the target of 34 days. Properties may remain vacant for a range of reasons, including the need for maintenance, work to modify properties to meet client needs, client illness, or in the case of disposing of goods abandoned by vacating tenants, time for actions such as inspections by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Roads and ports: Wandin North Primary School illuminated speed signs

569. Mrs FYFFE to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports — on what date will the installation of electronic variable speed lights at Wandin North Primary School commence.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:


The Brumby Government has proudly announced that $13.6 million will be used to install electronic speed signs at nearly 200 schools. This further supports the efforts made to improve road safety around our schools, such as the arrive alive! school speed zones initiative.

VicRoads is in the process of preparing a state wide contract for the delivery of works under a program to install electronic speed limit signs at school speed zones across Victoria. It is anticipated that installation of the electronic signs will be progressively implemented during 2008.

All schools located on 70 km/h roads are included in the program and will be treated first, whilst schools located on 60 km/h roads have been prioritised based on traffic volumes. The list of schools to be included in this program will be finalised in early 2008 when the contract has been awarded. All schools, including the Wandin North Primary School, will then be advised of the timing of installation.

Roads and ports: Burwood Highway–Station Street, Ferntree Gully, traffic lights

571. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports with reference to traffic lights being installed at the intersection of Burwood Highway and Station Street in Ferntree Gully —

(1) What was the initial budgeted cost of the project. (2) What was the initial expected completion date. (3) What is the current cost of the project to date. (4) What is the current expected final cost of the project. (5) What is the current expected completion date.

ANSWER:


The initial budgeted cost of this project was $617,000 and was expected to be completed in mid-2007. However, due to unexpected drainage problems which required redesigning parts of the project, there has been a delay to the schedule. The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2007/ early 2008 and is expected to be delivered within the allocated budget.

Health: practitioner drug use

579. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Health with reference to drug use by practitioners in Victoria’s public health system — how many practitioners were —

(1) Reported to relevant registration boards for suspected drug or alcohol addiction in — (a) 2000; (b) 2001; (c) 2002; (d) 2003; (e) 2004; (f) 2005; (g) 2006; (h) 2007.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) Found by relevant review boards to be impaired due to drug or alcohol addiction in —

(a) 2000; (b) 2001; (c) 2002; (d) 2003; (e) 2004; (f) 2005; (g) 2006; (h) 2007.

(3) Suspended by relevant review boards for being impaired due to drug or alcohol addiction in — (a) 2000; (b) 2001; (c) 2002; (d) 2003; (e) 2004; (f) 2005; (g) 2006; (h) 2007.

(4) Forced by relevant review boards to undergo a support, rehabilitation and monitoring program for impaired practitioners due to drug or alcohol addiction in — (a) 2000; (b) 2001; (c) 2002; (d) 2003; (e) 2004; (f) 2005; (g) 2006; (h) 2007.

(5) Forced to undergo drug testing as part of a support, rehabilitation and monitoring program for impaired practitioners due to drug or alcohol addiction in — (a) 2000; (b) 2001; (c) 2002; (d) 2003; (e) 2004; (f) 2005; (g) 2006; (h) 2007.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) — Data in relation to these issues is a matter for the relevant registration and review boards.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Mental health: pharmacotherapy prescribers

580. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Mental Health with reference to the provision of pharmacotherapy in Victoria —

(1) Of the 490 general practitioners approved as pharmacotherapy prescribers in Victoria, how many prescribed in 2006–07.

(2) How many general practitioners who prescribed pharmacotherapy in 2006–07 — (a) had five or more clients; (b) are located in each DHS region.

(3) How many pharmacies currently dispense pharmacotherapy. (4) How many pharmacies are approved to dispense pharmacotherapy.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The Department of Human Services approves medical practitioners to provide pharmacotherapy treatment services, and issues permits to prescribe for particular patients. Like all medical treatments, these services are a private matter between the doctor and their patient and the government does not track the number of active permits or treatments at a given time by a particular doctor.

(2) (a), (b) See (1).

(3) In October 2007, 403 Victorian pharmacies had at least one pharmacotherapy client.

(4) As at October 2007, 449 Victorian pharmacies were authorised to dispense pharmacotherapies.

Public transport: Croydon NightRider route

598. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to a press release on 31 July 2007: ‘NightRider bus service popular with late night revellers’ — what were the patronage figures on the Croydon NightRider route that passes through Doncaster for —

(1) March 2007. (2) April 2007. (3) May 2007. (4) June 2007. (5) July 2007. (6) August 2007. (7) September 2007. (8) October 2007.

ANSWER:


Patronage for the period March 2007 to September 2007 on the Croydon Nightrider bus service is as follows:

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Month Patronage (1) March 1897 (2) April 1840 (3) May 1822 (4) June 1979 (5) July 1669 (6) August 1740 (7) September 1493 (8) October Not Available

Community services: Slow to Recover program

612. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Community Services with reference to the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Slow to Recover Program — for each of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 —

(1) How many people accessed paediatric services through the program. (2) How many people accessed adult services through the program. (3) How many private providers provided services to program patients.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

This data as requested is not a standard data set that is stored or reported in a way that enables this specific question to be answered.

Senior Victorians: Seniors Card off-peak travel vouchers

615. Mr HODGETT to ask the Minister for Senior Victorians —

(1) How many seniors card holders took advantage of the two off-peak travel vouchers for travel within Victoria in — (a) 2004–05; (b) 2005–06; (c) 2006–07.

(2) What was the most frequently visited destination for seniors card holders using the two off-peak travel vouchers in 2006–07.

(3) Has the Government considered any alternative arrangements for benefits for seniors card holders.

ANSWER:

I am informed that the issue raised falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Public Transport.

Public transport: infringement notices

616. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to transport infringement notices issued by all public and private train, tram and bus operators between 1 July 2007 and 30 September 2007 —

(1) How much was paid in administration fees.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) How many complaints were received by the Department of Infrastructure.

ANSWER:


Private train, tram and bus operators do not issue infringement notices. Public transport operators forward Reports of Non Compliance to the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) and it is DOI that then determines whether to issue an infringement notice.

(1) $79,320 has been paid to Yarra Trams and $76,620 has been paid to Connex in administration fees in relation to notices with offence dates between 1 July and 30 September 2007.

(2) Seven complaints were received by DOI between 1 July 2007 and 30 September 2007.

Children and early childhood development: ministerial communications training

621. Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development with reference to media presentation training, communications training or public presentation training provided to the Minister between 3 August 2007 and 20 November 2007 —

(1) What training has the Minister received. (2) What was the name of the tenderer, training organisation or entity providing the training. (3) What was the cost of the training. (4) How many training sessions were held.

ANSWER:


I have received training in public presentation in order to better fulfil my public and media duties. This was provided by Cut-Through Communications Pty Ltd. The cost was $1980.00. It was conducted in September 2007.


622. Mrs SHARDEY to ask the Minister for Health — has the Minister requested specific financial information under s. 44A(1) of the Financial Management Act 1994 relating to investments made by hospitals, as permitted under s. 29 of the Health Services Act 1988; if so —

(1) To which hospitals were requests for information made. (2) When was each request for information made. (3) Why was each request for information made. (4) What responses were provided.

ANSWER:

I have not requested specific financial information under s. 44A(1) of the Financial Management Act 1994 relating to investments made by hospitals.

Water: water authority tax-equivalent payments

624. Ms ASHER to ask the Minister for Water with reference to deferred tax equivalent payments payable to the Government by water authorities — is the 50 per cent deferred ‘forgiven’; if not, has it been set aside by the water authorities.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

Income tax equivalent payments under the National Tax Equivalent Regime by State-owned corporations arose out of the competition policy reforms of the mid 1990s agreed to by all States, Territories and the Commonwealth.

There is no policy that stipulates a 50 per cent tax equivalent payment by water authorities. The National Tax Equivalent Regime requires that government businesses pay an amount to State governments that is equivalent to the Commonwealth company income tax that they would pay if they were privately owned companies. The amount is assessed as 30% of profit; which is equal to the company tax rate.

Deferred tax liabilities are future tax payment obligations in accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standard AASB 112 Income Taxes. They are required to be reported in the financial statements to provide details of likely future tax payments.

Deferred tax liabilities cannot be ‘forgiven’ by the Government, as this would contravene the accounting standard. These liabilities are future tax payment obligations in accordance with the requirements of the standard and will result in a tax payment to Government at a later date.

Education: Ferntree Gully Primary School site

633. Mr WAKELING to ask the Minister for Education with reference to the former Ferntree Gully Primary School site on Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully —

(1) Has a decision been made for the future use of the two heritage buildings — (a) if so, what is the purpose of use and when will the use of the buildings commence; (b) if not, what is the reason preventing the use.

(2) Has any decision been made in regards to the future use of the open space on the site — (a) if so, what is the purpose of use and when will the use of the open site commence; (b) if not, what is the reason preventing the use.

ANSWER:


The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is currently working with the local Council to determine the future use for the former Ferntree Gully Primary School site. This includes consideration of the two remaining heritage buildings, with a view to Council rezoning the site for alternative purposes. It is anticipated that the rezoning amendment will commence early in the new year.

Community services: Disability Advisory Council

659. Ms WOOLDRIDGE to ask the Minister for Community Services — on what dates between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 did the Minister meet with members of the Disability Advisory Council.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The former Ministers for Community Services, the Hon. Sherryl Garbutt and the Hon. Gavin Jennings, met with members of the Disability Advisory Council on the following occasions:

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


21 July 2006; 2 August 2006; 28 March 2007; 30 May 2007.

Education: Victorian certificate of education specialist maths

666. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — has the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development undertaken any research as to why the number of students taking up Specialist Maths as a VCE subject is falling; if so, what are the findings.

ANSWER:


The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) monitors enrolment trends in all VCE studies.

In Victoria, there continues to be a significant number of students undertaking Specialist Mathematics within an overall high level of student enrolment in senior mathematics.

In Specialist Mathematics there were 5,957 enrolments in 2000, compared to 5,311 in 2006. During this period the number of enrolments has fluctuated by several hundred from year to year.

While the 2007 enrolment figures are not finalised, the enrolments are around 5 000. It should be noted that across this period the vast majority of schools in Victoria offered Specialist Mathematics as part of their VCE program.

In looking at the current trends in Specialist Mathematics enrolments, a number of factors have been identified as influencing student choices. The VCAA has surveyed a sample of schools in 2007 to investigate enrolments in Specialist Mathematics.

Schools and teachers have reported that since Specialist Mathematics is no longer a prerequisite for many tertiary courses where it had previously been required, this has led some students to not undertake this study.

Teachers have also reported there is an ongoing challenge to encourage students to undertake Specialist Mathematics, given the conceptual and technical demands of the subject.

Enrolments in the other two VCE Mathematics subjects, Mathematical Methods and Further Mathematics, have been maintained throughout this period.

Education: Casey Central Secondary College opening

667. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — in what term of what year will the promised Casey Central Secondary College in Narre Warren South commence operation.

ANSWER:


The permanent facility at Casey Central Secondary College will open on the site in 2010. In 2009, the initial Year 7 intake will commence in temporary accommodation at Hillsmeade Primary School.

Education: general achievement test

668. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — why is the GAT administered midyear and not at the end of the school year.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


ANSWER:


The General Achievement Test (GAT) is used as a quality assurance mechanism for VCE examinations and since some of these are conducted in June it is necessary for the GAT to be held at the same time or earlier.

The GAT is also used as one of the main determinants as to which schools offering seven studies — Studio Arts, Systems Engineering, Art, Media, Design Technology, Food and Technology, Visual Communication and Design — will have results of their students school assured tasks reviewed by visitation. This is a process where specially trained markers visit schools and review the appropriateness of the school-assessed task scores awarded by the staff at the school. School-assessed tasks for all these studies are reviewed in October. Studio Arts is also reviewed in July.

In addition, the GAT is a challenging three hour paper and it would be onerous to ask VCE students to undertake it at the same time as all of their other examinations.

Education: working-with-children police checks

671. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education —

(1) Do family members hosting international exchange students have to undergo Working with Children checks.

(2) Do visiting teachers accompanying international exchange students have to undergo Working with Children or National Police checks.

ANSWER:


The Working with Children Check is a requirement under the Working with Children Act 2006. The Department of Justice administers the scheme and provides advice as to the requirements of the Act.

After 30 December 2007 those working or volunteering in child related work connected to an educational institution require a Working with Children Check.

As such the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will require home-stay providers and international visiting teachers to have a Working with Children Check unless otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of the Working with Children Act.

Education: Victorian certificate of education midyear examinations

672. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — what is the reason for some Unit 3 and 4 VCE subjects requiring midyear exams and not other subjects.

ANSWER:


There are six studies with examinations in June and November. They can be differentiated from all the other VCE studies in terms of their content and assessment structure.

The content of these studies can be more readily examined in separate semester examinations than in other studies. This enables the VCAA to devise an examination that students can undertake at the end of each semester independently of each other. This helps to spread the assessment load over the year.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Tourism and major events: bushfire recovery package

748. Mrs FYFFE to ask the Minister for Tourism and Major Events with reference to the $1.9 million tourism package promised to north-east Victoria as part of the bushfire recovery package in 2003 —

(1) Has all the money been spent. (2) What was the money spent on. (3) When will any unallocated monies be spent. (4) Where will any unallocated monies be spent.

ANSWER:


(1) Has all the money been spent?

In 2003, the Government allocated $2 million for tourism as part of a bushfire recovery package for North East Victoria and Gippsland. All monies were spent in the fiscal years 2003–04 and 2004–05.

(2) What was the money spent on?

The money was spent on a range of programs to encourage immediate and long-term visitation to the affected regions. Some of the larger projects include:

– Regional events — Support for regional community festivals and events ($80,000); – Ski marketing — High Country Ski Resorts campaign ($194,000); – Collateral — provision of subsidies to bushfire affected advertisers as part of the Jigsaw Brochure

production process and promotion and distribution of Ned Kelly and Food & Wine brochures ($177,000); – Villages of Victoria — Development of a ‘Touring the Villages of Victoria’ brochure including ‘Great

Escapes’ ($280,000); – Tactical campaigns — A series of tactical campaigns to support the ‘return to the North East’ messages,

followed by support for the Villages Campaign ($101,000); – Brand marketing — Major campaign for the Great Alpine Road, to brand the destination and highlight key

attributes and benefits of the region ($699,000); – Regional support programs — Engagement of staffing resources in bushfire affected regions, a series of

industry training and business support initiatives and commissioning a series of photographs suitable for promotion and advertising purposes, that reflected the current landscape of the affected areas ($198,000).

(3) When will any unallocated monies be spent?

All monies were spent in the fiscal years 2003–04 and 2004–05.

(4) Where will any unallocated monies be spent?

All monies were spent in the fiscal years 2003–04 and 2004–05.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Wednesday, 6 February 2008 ASSEMBLY 311

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE



Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Treasurer: land tax

13. Mr WELLS to ask the Treasurer —

(1) How many taxpayers paid land tax in 2005. (2) What is the estimated number of taxpayers who will pay land tax in 2006.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

168,080 taxpayers paid land tax in 2005.

185,494 taxpayers paid land tax in 2006.

Treasurer: State Revenue Office land trust notifications

15. Mr WELLS to ask the Treasurer — how many forms of notification of land held on trust have been lodged with the State Revenue Office.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

As at 31 December 2007 there were 56,627 notifications of land held on trust lodged with the State Revenue Office.

Treasurer: Property transfer duty payments

19. Mr WELLS to ask the Treasurer —

(1) On how many property transfers was duty paid in each of 2004–05 and 2005–06. (2) In each of 2004–05 and 2005–06 how many property transfers had values for duty of —

(a) up to $20,000; (b) $20,000–$115,000; (c) $115,001–$200,000; (d) $200,001–$300,000; (e) $300,001–$400,000; (f) $400,001–$500,000; (g) $500,001–$600,000; (h) $600,001–$870,000.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

312 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 6 February 2008

(3) What was the aggregate amount of duty paid in each of 2004–05 and 2005–06 in respect of

transfers with property values of — (a) up to $20,000; (b) $20,000–$115,000; (c) $115,001–$200,000; (d) $200,001–$300,000; (e) $300,001–$400,000; (f) $400,001–$500,000; (g) $500,001–$600,000; (h) $600,001–$870,000.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) Duty was paid on 190,139 property transfers in 2004–05, and on 192,719 property transfers in 2005–06.

(2) SRO data is not published in the requested ranges.

(3) SRO data is not published in the requested ranges.

Energy and Resources: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(g). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Honourable Minister for Energy & Resources with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —


ANSWER:

I am informed that:

As at the day the question was asked, the answer is:

(1) Since the Department of Primary Industries was formed on 5 December 2002, it has entered into one contract with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd.

(2) The amount paid against the contract for phase one was $62,814.95.

(3) A second phase of the tender was completed as a variation to the initial contract to the value of $12,061.50.

(4) The contract (contract 300054) was awarded to Shannon’s Way following a public tender process in March 2004. The selection process was assessed by an independent probity auditor. The contract is now complete.

(5) Not applicable.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Water: washing machine rebates

453. Ms ASHER to ask the Minister for Water with reference to the $150 rebate scheme for AAAA-rated washing machines which ceased on 1 December 2003 —

(1) Why was the scheme terminated after two months of operation. (2) Will the rebate be offered again; if so, when and for how long will the rebate be offered; if not,

why not.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The rebate to which you refer was offered for AAAA-rated washing machines under the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme between 1 October 2003 and 1 December 2003. The rebate for this product was only ever planned to last for the two month period.

One of the objectives of offering the rebate was to shift the market for washing machines away from inefficient top-loaders to more water efficient models, including front-loaders. This has encouraged manufacturers to make more water efficient models and encouraged households to purchase such machines. As a result of this, the cost of water efficient machines has also decreased.

There are currently no plans to reintroduce the rebate for washing machines in Victoria under the Water Smart Homes and Gardens Scheme. The market now contains a large number of water efficient washing machines, such machines have come down in price and the community has been educated as to the benefits of these machines.

Treasurer: first home bonus duty payments

463. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission for the Treasurer — how much duty was paid in 2006–07 in respect of purchases of property that qualified for the First Home Bonus.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

The First Home Owners Grant and duties are separate schemes and the State Revenue Office does not collate the requested information.

Police and emergency services: Nepean Highway red light cameras

520. Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services — what repairs or modifications were made to the red light camera monitoring right hand turns from Nepean Highway into Bay Road on 26 September 2007.

ANSWER:

I am advised that:

No repairs were made to this road safety camera on 26 September 2007, however the site was modified by the installation of a video camera.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


Police and emergency services: Box Hill police station

532. Mr CLARK to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services — will the Victorian Government Architect be involved in the design of the new Box Hill police station; if so, what role will the Victorian Government Architect play.

ANSWER:

I am advised that:

This Government created the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in 2005 to provide leadership and strategic advice to Government about architecture and urban design. The Office also performs an advocacy role in that it promotes awareness about how good design can better our living spaces and improve our urban environments.

I am advised that the Government Architect is not directly involved in the design of the new Box Hill Police Station. Victoria Police selects architects for its projects from the Construction Supplier Register maintained by the Department of Infrastructure in accordance with a Ministerial Direction under the Construction Management Act 1994.

Public transport: public information display system

547. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to railway station public information display system (PIDS) screens — on 22 October 2007 —

(1) Were all the PIDS screens defective at Parliament Station at 8.34 a.m.; — (a) if not, were any defective; (b) if so, how many; (c) if so, what was the cause.

(2) Between what times was the PIDS at Parliament Station down. (3) Was the PIDS at any locations other than Parliament Station defective; if so —

(a) at what locations; (b) between what times; (c) how many screens; (d) what was the cause.

ANSWER:


Connex has advised the Department of Infrastructure of the following:

(1) No.

(a) Yes. (b) One. (c) A faulty cathode ray picture tube.

(2) The faulty monitor on platform 3 at Parliament Station was reported faulty on 21 October 2007. It was replaced on 25 October 2007.

(3) Yes.

(a) At Flagstaff Station.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(b) Information not available. (c) Two. (d) Faulty cathode ray picture tubes.

Police and emergency services: Moorabbin police complex

556. Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services with reference to the Moorabbin police complex —

(1) What plans does the Government have to relocate the complex to the former Gas and Fuel land on the Nepean Highway, Highett following the expiration of its lease.

(2) When does the lease expire.

ANSWER:

I am advised that:

(1) Decisions relating to the police building program are made by police command, on the basis of assessed operational need.

(2) The lease on the current Moorabbin Police Station will expire in 2015.

Police and emergency services: Nepean Highway red light cameras

558(a). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services with reference to the red light camera operating equipment which monitors right hand turns from the Nepean Highway into Bay Road and from Karen Street into the Nepean Highway — what repairs or modifications were made to the operating equipment on 24 October 2007.

ANSWER:

I am advised that:

No repairs or modifications were made to this road safety camera or ancillary equipment on 24 October 2007. Routine periodic testing of the camera was, however, conducted on that date.

[NB: traffic turning from Karen St into the Nepean Highway is not monitored by road safety cameras at this intersection. The only traffic monitored is that which travels south along the Nepean Highway and which turns right into Bay Road.]

Health: Rural Ambulance Victoria staff vacancies

573. Mrs SHARDEY to ask the Minister for Health with reference to staff shortages at RAV — what are the details of —

(1) The exact number of current vacancies. (2) The nature of the vacancies. (3) How unspent funds for staffing are being accounted for.

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) The number of current operational vacancies at RAV is 27 or 2.5% of the total number of operational positions.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


(2) The temporary operational vacancies are predominantly due to cyclic staff resignations.

(3) There is no unspent funding as all vacant roster lines are filled on overtime until they are permanently filled.

Public transport: Cheltenham railway station car park

618. Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Public Transport with reference to the car park at Cheltenham Station and the pedestrian island installed at the entrance and exit designed to separate cars entering and exiting on Charman Road —

(1) What steps have been taken to address the increased time delays for cars seeking to exit the car (2) Have traffic flows worsened following the installation of the pedestrian island. (3) Are there any plans to address problems with traffic flows.

ANSWER:

(1 & 3) The additional 20 second delay imposed on all level crossings on the Northern and Caulfield train groups while the Siemens train braking issue occurred during late 2006 and in 2007 was removed in September 2007.

(2) Safety is our number one priority. Following a number of complaints received by Connex from Cheltenham Primary School, Kingston Council and local residents, construction works were undertaken to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The range of complaints related to the speed of cars entering and exiting the car park, dangers to primary school aged pedestrians due to excessive speed, and a lack of clear pedestrian crossing markers.

Education: school term dates

669. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education — what is the process for deciding —

(1) When school holidays will occur. (2) The length of a school term.

ANSWER:


– Term dates are set in five-year blocks with extensive consultation with key stakeholders before being submitted for ministerial approval.

– These consultations occur with parent, teacher, school council and principal peak bodies for both government and non-government schools as well as statutory bodies such as the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre.

– There are a number of guiding principles which determine the way school term dates are set including that:

– there are four school terms; – as far as practicable the school year is to be an average 200 days; – where possible the Australia Day holiday occurs before the resumption of students; – that, as far as possible, a consistent pattern be maintained from one five-year block to the next; – where possible, Easter is incorporated in the first term vacation; and – the scheduling of exam periods and release date of Year 12 student results in Term 4 is accounted for.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE


– The term dates from 2006 to 2010 were determined and approved by the then Minister for Education and

Training on 12 September 2002. The term dates from 2011 to 2015 were determined and approved on 24 October 2006.

– School term dates including school holidays are set well in advance, so that all schools have enough planning time for their operations and activities.

Education: QuickVic reporting system

670. Mr DIXON to ask the Minister for Education —

(1) Why was the QuickVic reporting system for secondary schools chosen when it does not cater for Years 11 and 12.

(2) Will the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development compensate schools that have had to purchase a parallel system to QuickVic in order to cater for reporting on Year 11 and 12 students.

ANSWER:


New student report cards were designed to enable clear and consistent reporting to parents in Years P–10. The reports provide information on student progress against the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). It has never been the intention that the new report cards apply to Years 11–12.

Schools have the choice of using QuickVic software, where the cost is covered by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development or have the option of purchasing approved software from private providers.

Since the development of the VCE in the early 1990s secondary colleges have purchased/developed reporting packages for Years 11–12.

The development of the QuickVic reporting system came at least a decade after secondary colleges had begun using reporting programs for Year 11–12 students.

Public transport: train graffiti

680. Mr MULDER to ask the Minister for Public Transport —

(1) To what standard is Connex required to remove graffiti on the — (a) interior of suburban carriages; (b) exterior of suburban carriages.

(2) Do interior wall surfaces, and exterior wall surfaces, present particular challenges in removing graffiti; if so, what strategies, if any, are being used or developed to minimise the amount of visible graffiti remnants after an attack on each type of surface.

ANSWER:


(1) (a & b) All removable graffiti is to be taken off in the cleaning process. (2) Yes, due to the impact of ink staining and some paint types, interior and exterior surfaces can sustain

permanent or long term damage. Strategies to remove the visible remnants of graffiti include the trialling of better performing graffiti removers, and buffing external painted surfaces.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Thursday, 7 February 2008 ASSEMBLY 319

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE



Thursday, 7 February 2008

Community development: Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd

249(z). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Community Development with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Shannon’s Way Pty Ltd since 1 January 2000 —



ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) There was one contract with Shannon’s Way P/L for the purpose of interviews recording the experience of Commonwealth Games volunteers.

(2) The cost of the contract was $9,600

(3) There were no extensions, variations or renewals.

(4) The contract was not offered for public tender.

(5) There is no requirement to offer the contract for public tender as the total cost was below the public tender threshold under the VGPB policy guidelines.

Community development: Growth Solutions Group

250(ae). Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) to ask the Minister for Community Development with reference to contracts entered into by the Minister’s department with Growth Solutions Group since 1 January 2000 —


QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

320 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 7 February 2008

ANSWER:

I am informed that:

(1) There were two contracts with the Growth Solutions Group.

(2) $907 and $1,815.

(3) There were no extensions, variations or renewals.

(4) The contracts were not offered for public tender.

(5) There is no requirement to offer contracts for public tender where the total cost is below the public tender threshold under the VGPB policy guidelines.

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD) … · 25. Mr WELLS to ask the Minister for Finance, WorkCover and...

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